Pope set to accept three further resignations

THE resignations of three more Irish bishops will be accepted by the Pope in the coming weeks following the departure yesterday of the Bishop of Cloyne.

Bishop John Magee tendered his resignation two weeks ago. It was accepted yesterday by Rome in advance of a damning Commission of Investigation report into his handling of clerical abuse complaints.

It is widely believed that the resignations of Bishops Field, Moriarty and Walsh will now be accepted by the Pope after Easter.