KOTTAYAM: Pope Francis accepted on Thursday the resignation of Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was accused of raping a nun. The bishop was earlier temporarily relieved of his duties at the diocese by Pope Francis in September 2018, after police had questioned him.
The Apostolic Nunciature in India — the Vatican’s diplomatic representative — said the Vatican respects the verdict of the court that acquitted Mulakkal as well as the appeal against the acquittal admitted by the Kerala HC.“Given the still divisive situation about the aforesaid matter in the Diocese of Jalandhar, the resignation has been requested from the Rt Rev Mulakkal not as a disciplinary measure imposed upon him, but… for the good of the Jalandhar diocese,” it said.
Mulakkal (59) will be hereafter known as bishop Emeritus of Jalandhar, which does not imply canonical restrictions on his ministry, it said.
In a video message, the bishop confirmed the Holy See has accepted his resignation and thanked all those who stood by him and prayed for him during difficult times. Bishops traditionally hand in their resignations when they turn 75. Bishop Agnelo Gracias, apostolic administrator of Jalandhar diocese expressed appreciation for Mulakkal’s decision “to resign for the good of the church and the diocese”.
The Apostolic Nunciature in India — the Vatican’s diplomatic representative — said the Vatican respects the verdict of the court that acquitted Mulakkal as well as the appeal against the acquittal admitted by the Kerala HC.“Given the still divisive situation about the aforesaid matter in the Diocese of Jalandhar, the resignation has been requested from the Rt Rev Mulakkal not as a disciplinary measure imposed upon him, but… for the good of the Jalandhar diocese,” it said.
Mulakkal (59) will be hereafter known as bishop Emeritus of Jalandhar, which does not imply canonical restrictions on his ministry, it said.
In a video message, the bishop confirmed the Holy See has accepted his resignation and thanked all those who stood by him and prayed for him during difficult times. Bishops traditionally hand in their resignations when they turn 75. Bishop Agnelo Gracias, apostolic administrator of Jalandhar diocese expressed appreciation for Mulakkal’s decision “to resign for the good of the church and the diocese”.