Irish bishop resigns
The Vatican issued the following announcement by Pope Benedict this afternoon, concerning Bishop Donal Murray:
'His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Donal Murray, from the pastoral care of the diocese of Limerick, Ireland, presented by Bishop Donal Brendan Murray, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.'
Bishop Murray was strongly criticised in the recent report on clerical child abuse which showed that he repeatedly ignored complaints about a priest who abused several children.
Cardinal Seán Brady commented: "I acknowledge and respect the decision of Bishop Murray to resign as Bishop of Limerick, as was announced earlier today.
"As Bishop Murray said in his statement this morning, the survivors of abuse must have first place in our thoughts and prayers.
"I apologise again to all who were abused as children by priests, who were betrayed and who feel outraged by the failure of Church leadership in responding to their abuse. Their suffering must always be the primary consideration in any assessment
of past failings, as a Church and as individuals.
"I wish to acknowledge and thank Bishop Murray for his contribution to the work of the Irish Bishops' Conference. He is in my prayers at this time ."
Source: VIS/Irish Catholic Media Office