Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Vilson Dias de Oliveira, a Brazilian bishop being investigated for concealing sexual abuse

The pope accepted the resignation of the Brazilian Bishop of Limeira, Monsignor Vilson Dias de Oliveiraannounced the Holy See Friday in a statement. The prelate is being investigated in his country Suspicions of concealment of badual badault and extortion, according to the Brazilian press.

Dias de Oliveira reportedly protected a priest accused of abuse. The bishop also confessed to the police in April receiving a "donation"of a parish for personal use, alleging that he had financial problems.

In his resignation letter, published on the website of the diocese, Bishop Vilson Dias de Oliveira quotes "attacks against our church of Limeira, against me and other parishes"He says to ask for his resignation"for the good of the diocese, so that pastoral care can continue its course"

The prelate has been replaced for the moment by an Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Orlando Brandes, Archbishop of Aparecida, said the Holy See.

The Vatican always announces when Pope Francis accepts the resignation of a bishop but never explains the reasons.

Francisco, confronted with a series of badual abuses that undermined the image of the Catholic Church, organized in February a world summit of bishops on the subject of badual abuse and promised actions concrete.

(With information from AFP)