Pope accepts Bishop Comiskey's resignation

Pope John Paul 11 has today accepted the resignation of the Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey.

A statement said the decision on Dr Comiskey had been taken in accordance with a section of canon law declaring: "A diocesan bishop who, because of illness or some other reason, has become unsuited for the fulfilment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office."

The Most Rev Eamon Walsh, the Auxilliary Bishop of Dublin, has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ferns.

Bishop Comiskey tendered his resignation after criticism over his handling of child sex abuse allegations against a priest, Fr Seán Fortune, who committed suicide.

A BBC documentary, Suing The Pope, on the issue was shown on RTÉ earlier this week.