AUSTRALIA
The Advertiser
July 30, 2018
By Andrew Hough, Derek Pedley
– Philip Wilson sentenced to home detention for at least six months
– Letter that led to Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson’s downfall
POPE Francis accepted the resignation of disgraced Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson on Monday night after weeks of intense pressure for him to quit because of his conviction for concealing child abuse.
The state’s highest-ranking Catholic Church leader had resisted widespread calls to step down, pending the result of the appeals process, but on Monday night conceded this was causing “just too much pain and distress” so “I must end this” and resign.
“Though my resignation was not requested, I made this decision because I have become increasingly worried at the growing level of hurt that my recent conviction has caused within the community,” he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he welcomed the news “which belatedly recognises the many calls, including my own, for him to resign”.
“There is no more important responsibility for community and church leaders than the protection of children,” he said.
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