Archbishop of Southwark resigns due to ill health

Archbishop Kevin McDonald

Pope Benedict XVI has today accepted the resignation of Archbishop Kevin McDonald of Southwark in accordance with Canon 401 §2. The Archbishop submitted his resignation to the Holy Father having taken account of medical advice. The Archbishop has had a triple heart bypass and also suffers from severe osteo arthritis. This has already necessitated surgery and the Archbishop envisages further surgery in 2010.

Archbishop McDonald, who is 62, said: “I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark. Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace. It has been a privilege to lead this great Diocese and I have received a wonderful response to everything I have tried to do. I have also been very appreciative of the prayers of so many people while I have been ill. The Diocese will continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers in thetime ahead.”

A Diocesan Administrator will be appointed soon and will be in charge of the Diocese, until a new Archbishop takes possession of the Diocese. Southwark has three auxiliaryBishops: Bishop John Hine being senior (ordained bishop 27 Feb 2001; Bishops Patrick Lynch and Paul Hendricks were both ordained on 14 Feb 2006), Bishop Hine immediately takes up governance of the Diocese, until a diocesan Administrator is elected.

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark