Vatican City, Aug 28, 2021 / 05:45 am
Pope Francis on Saturday accepted the resignation of Australian Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders, who had been on administrative leave from the Diocese of Broome while under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Australia’s ABC News reported in June that the 71-year-old Saunders had been under investigation by both police and the Vatican.
Police said in late May they would not be pressing charges against Saunders, who has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Saunders was first accused of historical sexual abuse in 2018. The bishop told a reporter for Australia's Channel Seven TV in March 2020 that, “Without any reservation, without any doubt whatsoever, that has never happened, and it never would happen.”