Statement by Archbishop Eamon Martin on the acceptance by Pope Francis of the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey as Bishop of Dromore

26 Mar 2018

“Today Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop John McAreavey as Bishop of Dromore.  During this Holy Week my prayers are with the people, religious and clergy of Dromore and in particular with those who have been abused, and with all who are suffering because of abuse. 

“I wish to acknowledge Bishop McAreavey’s nineteen years of service as a bishop.  As president of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, I thank him for his generous contribution in a wide variety of roles as a member of the Bishops’ Conference during that time. 

“As the bishops stated following their Spring 2018 general meeting earlier this month, the Church can never become complacent concerning the safeguarding of children.  The Church is committed to both the review process of dioceses undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church and to cooperation with any inquiry required by statutory bodies.

“My prayers also go to Bishop Philip Boyce as he begins his service as Apostolic Administrator of Dromore.”

ENDS

  • Archbishop Eamon Martin is President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland                                                       

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