In response to the announcement today that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop John Magee as Bishop of Cloyne, the following statement was issued by Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland:
“I wish to acknowledge the long and varied ministry of Bishop John Magee in the Church.  I thank him for his contribution to the work of the Irish Bishops’ Conference over the past twenty years, particularly in the area of liturgy.  I assure him of my prayers at this time and wish him good health in his retirement.

“However, foremost in my thoughts in these days are those who have suffered abuse by clergy and those who feel angry and let down by the often inadequate response of leaders in the Church.”