Bishop John McAreavey resigns after revelations he concelebrated Mass with paedophile priest

BELFAST (NORTHERN IRELAND)
Irish News

March 2, 2018

By Bimpe Archer

One of the north’s most high-profile bishops has resigned amid controversy that he celebrated Mass alongside a paedophile priest.

In a brief statement released through his personal solicitor last night, Bishop of Dromore Dr John McAreavey (69) announced he was leaving his post.

“Following media reports which have disturbed and upset many people in the diocese and further afield I have decided to resign with immediate effect,” he said.

“I shall make further comment in due course.”

The resignation came amid growing calls for a public inquiry into clerical abuse in Northern Ireland.

Just weeks ago Dr McAreavey apologised for celebrating Requiem Mass for Fr Malachy Finegan a paedophile and former president at St Colman’s College in Newry.

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