Pope Francis said Tuesday that he had accepted the resignation of a Canadian bishop who has been appointed in a collective claim against the church that alleges sexual assault.
The Pope did not give a reason to replace Jean-Pierre Blais, the bishop of Baie-Comeau, 75, in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, and the diocese said that the resignation was not linked to the accusations. He also appointed a replacement: Reverend Pierre Cataland, 62, currently main member of the Roman Catholic Order of Canada.
In a statement, the Pope pointed out that any bishop who turns 75 is automatically requested to offer his resignation. The Pope makes a decision on whether to accept the offer “after examining all the circumstances,” said the statement.
Blais is mentioned in a list of sexual predators presented as part of a class of victims' class against Quebec Archdiocese. He has denied any irregularity.
“The nomination of a new bishop … is not linked to accusations against Bishop Blais,” said the Diocese of Baie-Comeau in a statement sent by email, pointing out the church policy to demand all those who reached all those who reached 75 years to offer his resignation.
Get last minute national news
For the news that affects Canada and worldwide, register to receive news alerts that are given directly when they occur.
Blais would not be talking to the media, he added.
–David Ljungn report, Caroline Stauffer, Hugh Lawson and David Gregorio