ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires Herald
In a surprise announcement, first made over weekend to a congregation in side Luján Cathedral, Oscar Sarlinga, the Bishop of Zárate-Campana in Buenos Aires province, has revealed he is resigning his post amid an internal Church investigation into embezzlement, corruption and “abuse of power” within the clergy.
Sarlinga, who has a long history of confrontations with Pope Francis, was appointed to his post by Pope Benedict.
“For several months, together with the chance of being available for my mission as Bishop of Zárate-Campana, I asked Pope Francis for a special time of leave, for me to devote time to prayer,” Sarlinga said, without suggesting specific reasons as to why he had decided to step down.
“I have to say in all fairness that in the subsequent dialogue with the Holy Father he has expressed his understanding and has accepted my request. It will be made effective in the coming days,” he added.
While Sarlinga declined to comment on what had prompted his resignation, the ecclesiastical investigation into allegations of malpractice in the Zárate-Campana parish, including money laundering and abuse within the clergy, was likely a central factor in determining his decision.
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