Waterford bishop stands down over health concerns

A bishop who was praised earlier this year for his “strong leadership” and “very positive work” by the child safety watchdog for the Catholic Church has decided to resign for health reasons.

Bishop William Lee, 72, of Waterford and Lismore has confirmed he submitted a letter of resignation to Pope Francis in recent weeks and the Pope yesterday accepted his resignation.

The bishop will remain living in Waterford and has said he wants to help out in the diocese, if possible. It could take months for a successor to be appointed.