Pope Francis accepts resignation of convicted Australian archbishop

Philip Wilson failed to report repeated abuse of alter boys in the 1970s

The Pope has accepted the resignation of an Australian archbishop convicted of covering up the sexual abuse of children by a priest. Video: Reuters

The Pope has accepted the resignation of an Australian archbishop convicted of covering up the sexual abuse of children by a priest.

Francis’ move followed mounting pressure from Australian priests and even the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull.

Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson was convicted in May of failing to report to police the repeated abuse of two altar boys by a paedophile priest in the Hunter Valley region north of Sydney during the 1970s.

He became the highest-ranking Catholic cleric ever convicted in a criminal court of covering up abuse.

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Mr Wilson had declined to resign pending an appeal of his case.

Mr Turnbull added his voice to those calling for his sacking in an appeal to Francis on July 19th.

The Vatican said that Francis has accepted Mr Wilson’s resignation.

– Associated Press