Irish Catholic Bishop Moriarty Resigns to Pope Benedict, by Patrick Roberts, Irish Central, December 23, 2009

Irish Catholic Bishop Moriarty Resigns to Pope Benedict

By Patrick Roberts
Irish Central
December 23, 2009

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Bishop-Moriarty-offers-to-resign-79986902.html

Ireland -- Irish Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Jim Moriarty resigned to Pope Benedict XVI today following revelations in the Murphy Report into child abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese published last month.

Moriarty was an auxiliary bishop in Dublin between 1991 and 1993. The report said that in that role, he had received a complaint about a priest known by the pseudonym Father Edmondus, regarding the priest's contact with young children.

According to the report, youth workers were concerned that young girls, and especially very poor children, seemed to spend time at Edmondus' house.

Dr. James Moriarty was auxiliary bishop in the Dublin diocese between 1991 and 1993.

Moriarty discussed the matter with local priests and with Archbishop Desmond Connell, and warned "Edmondus" about his behavior, but he did not consult others for more information about Edmondus.

"No attempt was made by the archdiocesan authorities to check the archives or other files relating to 'Edmondus' when these complaints were received," the Murphy Report says.

In a radio interview last week, Moriarty said he should not have to resign.

"I stand by my statement that I should not resign for my partial involvement in the Edmondus case, but I want to add that no bishop can put his own position before the good of the Church."

Moriarty was due to retire in two years' time. But following a meeting between Moriarty and diocesan priests and staff in County Laois, Moriarty has said he is willing to leave his post early, according to Irish TV broadcaster RTE.