Pope Francis has confirmed the election of Monsignor Fernando Ocariz Braña as Prelate of Opus Dei. The priest becomes the third successor of St. Josemaria Escriva as head of the personal prelature. The choice was not unexpected, as he had been auxiliary to the previous prelate, Bishop Javier Echevarría, and was his natural replacement. Bishop Echevarría died Dec. 12 at the age of 84.