Pope accepts resignation of Bishop Comiskey

The Vatican has accepted the resignation tendered by Dr Brendan Comiskey, Bishop of Ferns, in a statement issued this morning.

Pope John Paul II made the announcement in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.

The Most Reverend Eamon Walsh has also been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Ferns Diocese. Bishop Walsh is the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.

The announcement was made at 11am this morning.

It comes less than 48 hours after Minister for Health, Michael Martin, agreed an Inquiry into the handling of sexual abuse in the diocese. Cardinal Desmond Connell and Archbishop, Sean Brady, said last night they would make every effort to co-operate with the State investigation.

They are also considering setting up an Independent audit into how bishops dealt with the problem of clerical abuse.