Pope accepts bishop’s resignation on age grounds

POPE Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy, who, as Church law dictates, is stepping down having reached the age of 75.

A bishop for 31 years, the Co Donegal man tendered his resignation to the Pope on his birthday last year. It is expected that the current Chancellor of Clogher, the Reverend Monsignor Liam S McDaid will become the new Bishop of Clogher.

Bishop Francis Lagan, an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Derry, has also tendered his resignation on age grounds under Canon 401.