Pope accepts the renunciation of Archbishop Wilson: he had not reported any abuse

The Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson

Pope Francis accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Australia, presented by Mgr. Philip Edward Wilson. This was announced today by the Press Office of the Holy See

The 67-year-old prelate was sentenced on July 3 to 12 months in prison for failing to denounce a priest James Fletcher, who he abused children in the 1970s, with whom he was collaborating in the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The priest died in prison in 2006, after about a year of imprisonment, at the age of 65. Mons. Wilson is still innocent. In mid-August, judges will decide to grant him house arrest for health reasons

Commenting on this sentence, the Australian bishops had hoped that this sentence would give "a sense of peace and healing to abused persons ". of the deceased priest ", while acknowledging that" the effects of badual abuse can last a lifetime. "" It takes a lot of courage – say bishops – for survivors to come forward to tell their story . The survivors helped us learn the lesson of our shameful history of abuse and concealment, "emphasized by the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry. Since then – they point out – the Australian Church "has made substantial changes to ensure that abuse and coverage are no longer part of Catholic life and that children are safe in our communities" . Finally, the Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to work with church and society members who are trying to "put in place strong and consistent safeguarding standards" in Australia

Most Rev. Greg O & Also talked about the case. Kelly appointed by the Pope on June 3 last apostolic administrator "Sede Plena" of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, after mgr. Wilson was engaged from this post but without yet presenting the waiver: "In these circumstances – he said in a statement – we must be very aware of the impact on the survivors, their families and all of them. those who love them. I have witnessed the anguish and pain of the victims. The Church must continue to do everything possible to listen to them and support them ". He then reiterated the goal of maximum protection for minors: "I reiterate that our commitment to the safety of every child in our church and in our schools is fundamental".