Bishop Steps Down After Accusations of Child Abuse Inaction

A senior Irish Catholic bishop, who served as a private secretary to three different popes, has agreed to step down from his post after being accused of mishandling allegations of child sex abuse in his diocese.

John Magee said he would "stand aside" from the running of the diocese of Cloyne, although he would retain his title, the Vatican announced yesterday.

Victims of clerical abuse last night welcomed the decision and the Irish Survivors of Child Abuse organization said the removal of Magee signaled that the old days of cover-up were over.

Bishop Magee, originally from Newry, Co. Down, had been accused by an internal church inquiry of taking minimal action over accusations against two priests. The inquiry found his child protection policy inadequate and dangerous.

The bishop had apologized for the report's findings, but refused to resign. However, the Catholic church in Ireland confirmed he had last month asked Pope Benedict to find a senior cleric to take over his duties in Cloyne.

His removal from the post this weekend follows a campaign by groups representing victims of clerical sex abuse. Archbishop Dermot Clifford, from the neighboring diocese of Cashel and Emly, will replace him. His official title will be apostolic administrator.

"I look forward to serving the people and priests of Cloyne and to giving them pastoral leadership to the best of my ability," the archbishop said. "Coming from a neighboring diocese, I know them to be a people with a proud tradition of faith. I will give every possible cooperation to the commission of inquiry into the diocese of Cloyne."

The head of the Catholic church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, said the appointment showed the desire to protect children. "The decision of the Holy Father to grant that request [for a replacement] is an indication of the importance that the church gives to safeguarding children."

The devastating report on child protection in Cloyne was compiled by the Catholic Church's National Board for Safeguarding Children. It detailed how the Bishop failed to inform authorities about abuse allegations. The accusations centre on two priests in the diocese.