Newcastle Bishop Resigns

Newcastle's Bishop Has Announced His Shock Resignation Today Due To Deteriorating Health

Laudetur Iesus Christus.

On Tuesday, the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle William (Bill) Wright has announced that he has tendered his resignation to Pope Francis, citing health reasons. Following this announcement, the Bishop has gone on immediate health leave.

Bishop Wright (Left) with The Bishop of Wollongong Brian Mascord

Bishop Wright, who is only 68 years old, was born in Washington DC and consecrated a Bishop by Cardinal George Pell in 2011.

Citing his poor health as the reason for resignation, the Bishop said, "In such times, it is the duty of a bishop to be present with his people, to encourage and support wherever he can, to provide some point of stability in a shook-up world."

"I am acutely conscious that for some months I have been incapable of providing that episcopal service."

"At the end of June, I was an emergency admission to hospital, struggling to breathe. Despite very good care and treatment, the condition of my lungs has not improved and, we now know, is an illness from which I will not recover. Meanwhile, I am physically incapable of performing public ceremonies or of getting about without considerable assistance. I can no longer fulfil a bishop's role or duties."

"Accordingly, I have written to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, submitting my resignation as Bishop. What happens next is, of course, entirely up to the Holy See. In the meantime, I will effectively remain on sick leave and my place will be filled by the Vicar General and the excellent staff of the Bishop's office, as has been the case these last months."

"I should like to thank all of you who have sent me 'get well' wishes during my illness, and most especially those who have held me in prayer. The sensation of a peace and tranquility of spirit that come from beyond oneself has been very palpable in some of the challenging moments."

"May we continue to support each other in faith and love through all life's challenges."

President of The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, said that Bishop Wright's resignation was "a blow to the whole Church in Australia."

Once the Holy Father accepts Bishop Wright's resignation, the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will join the Diocese of Broome, the Military Diocese and the Apostolic Nunciature as vacant sees within Australia. Thus, fuelling further rumours at a time when experts say the Pope is soon likely to name a new Australian Cardinal.