Pope accepts resignation of Australian bishop accused of cover-up over child sex abuse

Bishop Brian Finnigan at an ordination service for the Catholic diaconate YouTube

The Pope has accepted the resignation of a bishop accused of covering up for the Catholic Church during the Australian Royal Commission on child sex abuse. 

Auxlilary bishop in Brisbane Brian Finnigan was accused of trying to protect himself and the church when he gave evidence earlier this month. There were calls for him to be sacked

Aged 77, Bishop Finnigan offered his resignation two years ago as Canon Law requires of Catholic clergy. The Pope accepted it at the end of December, on the grounds of his age.

article,article,article,article,article,article Related

In a letter sent to clergy he said: "I am grateful that it has now come to pass. At 77 years of age, energy levels and mental agility have diminished. From those whom I may have disappointed, I seek forgiveness."

The bishop, who was secretary to the Bishop of Ballarat over a period when Ballarat priest Gerald Ridsdale was abusing boys, had told the commission publicly that he only found out about about the abuse when the priest was charged in 1993. However, the commission heard privately that he had known about the complaints at least 12 years earlier. 

Bishop Finnigan was the youngest of 12 children and was ordained priest in 1970 and bishop in 2002. 

He said: "It has been a great privilege to serve in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, and I am now looking forward to the next phase of my life. All those with whom I have worked and whom I have served can be assured of my prayerful support in the coming years."

related articles
Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide charged over failing to report child sex abuse
Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide charged over failing to report child sex abuse

Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide charged over failing to report child sex abuse

Child abuse inquiry: Retired Bishop sorry for sexual abuse of children at Queensland orphanage
Child abuse inquiry: Retired Bishop sorry for sexual abuse of children at Queensland orphanage

Child abuse inquiry: Retired Bishop sorry for sexual abuse of children at Queensland orphanage

Catholic Church\'s child protection chief says George Pell has \'almost sociopathic disregard for abused children\'
Catholic Church's child protection chief says George Pell has 'almost sociopathic disregard for abused children'

Catholic Church's child protection chief says George Pell has 'almost sociopathic disregard for abused children'

Australian bishop says he was abused by bishop and senior clergyman
Australian bishop says he was abused by bishop and senior clergyman

Australian bishop says he was abused by bishop and senior clergyman

Australian priest raped victims weekly, abuse enquiry hears

Australian priest raped victims weekly, abuse enquiry hears

Paedophile priests collaborated to hide abuse revealed in confessional

Paedophile priests collaborated to hide abuse revealed in confessional

News
Assisted suicide: Scotland’s shame
Assisted suicide: Scotland’s shame

Increasingly Western societies, as they turn away from their Christian roots, become cultures of death.

Joe Rogan questions Big Bang theory, says he's 'sticking with Jesus' over Resurrection
Joe Rogan questions Big Bang theory, says he's 'sticking with Jesus' over Resurrection

Joe Rogan finds the idea of the Resurrection more realistic than the claim that the universe created itself.