IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph
BY SARAH MACDONALD – 14 AUGUST 2014
Pope Francis is expected to accept the resignation of Cardinal Sean Brady as Primate of All Ireland in the coming months.
The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland wrote to the Vatican several weeks ago indicating that he is prepared to step down, it has been learned.
The decision by Cardinal Brady, who became Primate in 1996, to submit his notice almost a month before his birthday has been seen as surprising in religious circles.
Cardinal Brady, who turns 75 on Saturday, does not automatically abdicate the role as he can only retire with the Pope’s permission.
A spokesperson for the Catholic Communications Office confirmed: “When Pope Francis accepts the retirement, Coadjutor Archbishop Eamon Martin will become Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.”
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