00 04/04/2011 16:49


Pope accepts resignation of
Australian bishop over
abuse scandal in his diocese

April 4, 2011


POPE Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Australian bishop Michael John Malone, the Vatican said today, following child abuse scandals in his Maitland-Newcastle diocese.

"The Holy Father Benedict XVI has accepted the renunciation of pastoral authority in the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle in Australia presented by Monsignor Michael John Malone," the Vatican said in a statement.

Malone has been head of the diocese since 1995 but had talked about his exhaustion in recent months following a series of allegations of child abuse by clergymen in the diocese that dated back to before his nomination.

The local Newcastle Herald newspaper earlier this year quoted Malone as saying: "I'm emotionally drained by what has happened and feel disillusioned."

The 71-year-old was also quoted as saying that he was considering early retirement before the official pension age for Catholic bishops of 75.