UTV
March 24, 2010
http://www.u.tv/News/Pope-accepts-bishops-resignation/8d828662-d890-4aae-8092-bf63b1011830
IRELAND -- Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of senior Irish bishop John Magee, who was criticised over his handling of allegations of clerical sex abuse in his Co Cork diocese.
Bishop Magee, 72, from Newry, Co Down, indicated earlier this month he was to step down
The one-time Vatican aide had faced a series of calls to quit since the publication of an independent report by the church's own watchdog before Christmas 2008.
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The Catholic Church in Ireland confirmed he asked Pope Benedict on 4 February to find a senior cleric to take over his duties in Cloyne.
In statement released on Wednesday the Church confirmed: "His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne."
In a statement the resigned bishop said he wanted to sincerely apologise to victims of abuse in Cloyne.
"To those whom I have failed in any way, or through any omission of mine have made suffer, I beg forgiveness and pardon," he said.
The 2008 report found Cloyne Diocese had put children at risk of harm due to an inability to respond appropriately to abuse allegations against two of its priests.
Bishop Magee, who served as private secretary to three different Popes, apologised when the report was published.
He quit the day-to-day running of parishes across rural Cork in March 2009.
His daily duties were taken over by Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of neighbouring Cashel and Emly, last year.
The Archbishop said: "I would like to thank Bishop John Magee for the cooperation he has given me since my appointment as apostolic administrator to the Diocese of Cloyne.
"I wish him all God's blessings in his retirement. I ask for the continued prayers and support of the lay faithful, priests and religious of the Diocese of Cloyne for all those who have suffered abuse."
He said he takes full responsibility for child protection failures and pledged to continue working with Judge Yvonne Murphy's inquiry into the handling of abuse allegations in the diocese.
"I also sincerely hope that the work and the findings of the Commission of Investigation will be of some help towards healing for those who have been abused," he said.
"I welcome the fact that my offer of resignation has been accepted, and I thank the priests, religious and faithful of the diocese for their support during my time as Bishop of Cloyne, and assure them of a place in my prayers always."
John Magee's resignation is the second from an Irish bishop to be accepted by Rome.
Former bishop of Limerick Donal Murray offered to quit last December and his resignation was accepted within 10 days.
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