Staying power

ACCORDING to the Catholic Church’s apostolic constitution (the code of canon law), as endorsed by Pope John Paul II on January 25, 1983, Bishop John Magee of Cloyne cannot be forced to resign from office by the church.

It clearly states in canon 401, paragraph 2: “A diocesan bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfilment of his office, is earnestly requested to offer his resignation from office.”

This implies that while a diocesan bishop perhaps should resign, and while he may be requested to do so by various interests, or even by the Vatican, he must initiate the resignation process himself.