IRELAND
The Journal
POPE FRANCIS HAS accepted the resignation of an Irish bishop who said he was stepping down for poor health, three years after he had admitted to protecting a priest accused of child abuse.
The Holy See said in a brief statement that Lee was relieved of his functions under paragraph 2 of article 401 of the Code of Canon Law, which covers both serious offenses such as paedophilia and corruption, and resignations on health grounds.
William Lee, the bishop of Waterford and Lismore, said he had resigned on health grounds, making no mention of the abuse allegations.
“As you are aware in July 2011 I was diagnosed with serious illness and, since diagnosis, I have been under medical care,” he said.
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