IRELAND
Herald
BY CORMAC MCQUINN – 16 AUGUST 2014
CARDINAL Sean Brady has said that his planned successor at the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, co-adjudicator Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, is “excellently prepared” to take on the role when his resignation is accepted by Pope Francis.
And the 75-year-old has said he is “looking forward to the day” that the Vatican approves his retirement.
Dr Brady has faced criticism over his role in the church’s handling of abuse claims against paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.
Victims of clerical sexual abuse had called on Pope Francis to accept his resignation immediately.
This week it emerged that Dr Brady has written to the Pope requesting approval to retire.
In a statement issued last night, Dr Brady said he offered his resignation to Pope Francis last month in the “anticipation” of his 75th birthday, which he celebrates today.
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