Bishop Malone Denies Report Claiming Resignation "Imminent"

WBEN News
November 13, 2019

https://wben.radio.com/articles/bishop-malone-denies-report-claiming-resignation-imminent

A report from Rome indicates that Bishop Richard Malone's resignation as head of the Diocese of Buffalo may be imminent, but the Bishop is disputing that claim.

Christopher Lamb, Rome correspondent for The Tablet, is reporting reliable sources have told him Malone's resignation may be close.

The apostolic visitation into the troubled diocese has been completed by Bishop DiMarzio

Bishop Malone is under fire for mishandling sexual abuse in his diocese

However, Catholic Herald reporter Chris Altieri said that Malone himself told him on Thursday that report was false.

"Bishop Malone continues to serve as the leader of the Diocese of Buffalo. He is currently engaged with the other bishops of New York State in their Ad Limina visit, discussing with officials of the Holy See and with Pope Francis the areas of challenge and progress of the Catholic Church in New York State and the scope of the vibrant ministries serving the needs of New Yorkers, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike," the Diocese of Buffalo said in a prepared statement.

"When Bishop Malone returns to Buffalo he will be communicating further about his meeting with the Holy Father and the other participating bishops."

Malone was in Rome on Wednesday and said Mass in Vatican City at St. Paul's Basilica. An investigation into Malone and the Diocese conducted by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio from the Diocese of Brooklyn concluded on October 31. Any resignation would need to be accepted by The Pope. Lamb said that the papal nuncio to the United States first learned of the bishop's resignation last week.

"The wheels of the Vatican bureaucracy can run very slow at times," Lamb said. "Sometimes things can be held up that can be a slip between cup and lip. "From what I'm hearing it's in the days zone (for his resignation)."