Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson Resigns after Conviction for Covering up Child Sexual Abuse

By Sam Buckingham-Jones
The Australian
July 31, 2018

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POPE Francis accepted the resignation of disgraced Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson on Monday night after weeks of intense pressure for him to quit because of his conviction for concealing child abuse.

The state’s highest-ranking Catholic Church leader had resisted widespread calls to step down, pending the result of the appeals process, but on Monday night conceded this was causing “just too much pain and distress” so “I must end this” and resign.

“Though my resignation was not requested, I made this decision because I have become increasingly worried at the growing level of hurt that my recent conviction has caused within the community,” he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he welcomed the news “which belatedly recognises the many calls, including my own, for him to resign”.

“There is no more important responsibility for community and church leaders than the protection of children,” he said.