That rule states: 'A diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office.' The Vatican issued the same one-sentence announcement ( 1, 2 and 3) in each case, stating that the bishop had resigned in accordance with canon 401, paragraph 2.
Pope Francis did not comment about any of the three resignations. All three had been investigated by public prosecutors and had generated negative press following revelations that they recently had harbored sexually abusive priests. Joseph MO diocese, and Archbishop John C. In the spring of 2015, Pope Francis accepted the early resignations of three active U.S. These early departures from office have occurred under Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II. Abuse-Enabling Bishops who Resigned or were Removed Ībuse-Enabling Bishops Who Resigned or Were Removedī has compiled a list of bishops who have resigned or been removed apparently because of their mismanagement of accused clerics.
