Pope Benedict Accepts Archbishop McDonald's resigntion

Southwark is once again Sede Vacante. Sadly, Archbishop Kevin has found it necessary to submit his resignation on health grounds.

From the Southwark Archdiocese website:

At 11am (GMT) The Holy Father accepted the accepted the resignation of Archbishop Kevin McDonald of Southwark in accordance with Canon 401 §2. The Archbishop submitted his resignation to the Holy Father having taken account of medical advice. The Archbishop has had a triple heart bypass and also suffers from severe osteoarthritis. This has already necessitated surgery and the Archbishop envisages further surgery in 2010.

Archbishop McDonald said,

“I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark. Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace. It has been a privilege to lead this great Diocese and I have received a wonderful response to everything I have tried to do. I have also been very appreciative of the prayers of so many people while I have been ill. The Diocese will continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers in the time ahead.”

A Diocesan Administrator will be appointed soon and he will be in charge of the Diocese, until a new Archbishop takes possession of the Diocese.

The Archbishop's letter to the people of the diocesan can be found here. I'm sure we would all want to reassure His Grace that he will be very much supported in our prayers.

Further details of the canonical situation can be found at the Bishops' Conference website.