The Journal
November 23, 2011
www.thejournal.ie/bishop-of-derrys-resignation-confirmed-by-the-vatican-286736-Nov2011/
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| mage: PA Photo/PA Archive/Press Association Images |
THE POPE HAS accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Derry Séamus Hegarty, it has been confirmed by the Irish Bishops' Conference.
Dr Hegarty tendered his resignation earlier this month citing ill-health and Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed acceptance of this resignation having viewed medical reports.
The resignation came into effect at 11am this morning.
"I would ask for prayers that the Holy Spirit may guide the selection of the new Bishop of Derry," Dr Hegarty said in a statement. "On a personal level, I would entrust my health to the prayers of the people of the diocese."
As the Derry diocese is now vacant, the Pope has requested the Diocesan College of Consultors, a group of eight priests who govern the diocese collegially for up to eight days, to meet and elect a Diocesan Administrator in the interim period.
It is the fourth Irish diocese to become vacant with three other bishops already having passed retirement age. There are 26 dioceses in Ireland.
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