Pope Francis on Tuesday announced that he had accepted the resignation of a Canadian bishop who has been named in a class-action lawsuit against the Church alleging sexual assault.
The pope did not provide a reason for replacing Jean-Pierre Blais, the 75-year-old bishop of Baie-Comeau in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, and the diocese stated that the resignation was not linked to the allegations.
He also appointed Reverend Pierre Charland, 62, currently a senior member of Canada’s Roman Catholic Franciscan order, as Blais’ replacement.
In a statement, the pope noted that any bishop who turns 75 is required to submit their resignation.
According to the statement, the pope decides whether to accept the resignation after reviewing all relevant circumstances.
Media Talk Africa reports that Blais is named in a list of alleged sexual predators filed as part of a victims’ class action against the Archdiocese of Quebec, but he has denied any wrongdoing.
“The nomination of a new bishop is not linked to the allegations against Bishop Blais,” the Diocese of Baie-Comeau said in an emailed statement, reaffirming the Church’s policy that all bishops must submit their resignation upon turning 75.
