While I understand a certain concern that naturally arises when a hierarch comes from outside of the diocese or from outside of the diocesan traditions, Bp. Geo. Dem. Gallaro has always served, according to an on-line biography, amongst the Eastern Rite communities in communion with Rome. It certainly helps that he was born and raised in Sicily, although much of his life he has been in the USA.
I would certainly not be surprised if he were "bi-ritual," having served so many years in the USA. Certainly, if the diocese has parishes of both rites, he really must be bi-ritual. At one point, as I have published in my research for the St. John Chrysostom Society, bi-ritualism was consciously used as a way to Latinize Eastern Rite communities (Arberesh and Greeks) in Southern Italy. I believe and hope that was in the past and that the Latin Church has grown to accept and respect the Eastern Rite communities.
I'm not well aware of the situation within the diocese. Perhaps there were no qualified candidates from within. This is sometimes the deciding factor on choosing one from without.
Perhaps of concern here is the method of the selection. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches (not in communion with Rome), a nomination should come up from the diocese itself, clergy and laity, to fill the vacant see. The name(s) of the nominee(s) are forwarded to the synod of bishops which then has an election. The president of that synod, usually the metropolitan or archbishop of the senior see, may veto (with cause) the successful election. At that point, another nominee must be chosen. The consecration of the electee must be conducted by at least two other bishops. These procedures are spelled out in the holy canons of the first seven major ecumenical councils shared by East and West. This is part of what we (Orthodox) point to as the "conciliar" model of the Church as witnessed to in the Holy Scriptures as well as in the canons.
In the West, including the eastern rite communities, all authority to appoint bishops lies in the See of Rome. The issue of the See of Rome's universal jurisdiction is a major discussion point in the ongoing dialogues between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
