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Catholic World News News Feature

Coadjutor Archbishop Appointed to Dublin Archdiocese May 03, 2003

Pope John Paul II has appointed Archbishop Diarmud Martin as a coadjutor archbishop for Dublin, Ireland, leaving Cardinal Desmond Connell in office despite his having reached retirement age.

Cardinal Connell, 77, submitted his resignation two years ago, as required by canon law upon having reached the age of 75. However, rather appoint an immediate replacement, the Holy Father appointed Archbishop Martin as coadjutor. That makes Archbishop Martin the designated successor of Cardinal Connell when he is no longer able to occupy the office of archbishop, either due to death or the acceptance of his resignation by the Vatican.

Until his appointment, Archbishop Martin was the Vatican's Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva. In a statement released by the Dublin archdiocese, Martin welcomed his appointment and said he is happy to be able to engage in a bishop's pastoral ministry. Referring to the clergy sex-abuse scandal that has rocked Ireland and the practice of the Catholic faith there, he said: "There are also many who are estranged from the Church. I am aware that there are those for whom meaning and hope were lost in their lives through the actions of church personnel. Their hurt is all the greater if they feel betrayed by someone they had turned to in trust."

Cardinal Connell said he requested a coadjutor after two of his auxiliary bishops received new appointments. Bishop James Moriarty was appointed to the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin and Bishop Eamonn Walsh was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Ferns. Connell has been under fire in his own diocese over the past year for his handling of the clergy sex-abuse scandal. It was widely suspected prior to today's appointment that the cardinal's resignation would be accepted by the Holy Father, so the current action comes somewhat as a surprise to observers.