The Pope’s representative in Ireland, Charles Brown, will be the principal ordaining bishop later this month at the ordination of Canon William Crean as bishop of Cloyne.

The new Bishop of Cloyne has spoken of his apprehension at accepting the appointment in light of the troubled history of the diocese where his predecessor failed to protect children from clerical sex abuse.

It came as no great shock to the vast majority of parishioners in the Co Kerry parish of Cahirciveen that Canon William Crean was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for elevation to the position of bishop.

A new bishop has been appointed to the diocese of Cloyne in Co Cork for the first time in two years following a scandal over the handling of abuse allegations.