Pope Francis must sack Archbishop Philip Wilson, says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
THE Federal Government is lobbying Pope Francis to sack Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, who has been resisting pressure to resign since he was convicted of covering up sexual abuse.
- Senior Adelaide Catholic priest calls for Wilson to resign
- Wilson sentenced to 12 months home detention
- The letter that led the Archbishop Wilson’s downfall
THE Federal Government is lobbying Pope Francis to sack Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, who has been resisting pressure to resign since he was convicted of covering up sexual abuse.
Senior Australian Catholic clergy have been pushing for the Archbishop to quit his post, but only the Pope has the power to sack him
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is a Catholic, said on Thursday the time had come for the Pope to step in and dismiss Archbishop Wilson.
“As far as Philip Wilson is concerned, he should have resigned – he should have resigned and the time has come for the Pope to sack him,’’ Mr Turnbull said.
Mr Turnbull made the comments before a scheduled meeting with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge and incoming Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli.
Archbishop Comensoli last week also added to calls for Archbishop Wilson to resign.
Australian Ambassador to the Holy See Melissa Hitchman had already told Vatican officials that the Government wanted the Archbishop removed.
Mr Turnbull had also previously conveyed his view to Australian church officials, including Bishops’ Conference chair Mark Coleridge
Archbishop Wilson, 67, was this month sentenced to 12 months’ jail, which will likely be served on home detention, over his silence about a paedophile priest.
The Archbishop has stood aside from his duties and is appealing his conviction in the District Court of NSW.
He has said he would offer his resignation if the appeal was unsuccessful. Pope Francis last month appointed Port Pirie Bishop Greg O’Kelly to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Adelaide.
Some SA Catholics have expressed disappointment at a letter Bishop O’Kelly wrote to Port Pirie clergy and parishioners after Archbishop Wilson was convicted in May.
“One can only imagine how devastating this verdict must be to one who was so confident in his protestations of innocence,’’ Bishop O’Kelly wrote.
“My faith in the Archbishop and his word is not shaken by this outcome. We should all pray for his strength.’’
Bishop O’Kelly also urged Catholics to pray for “survivors for the harm inflicted by Church personnel.’’