The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Brazilian bishop Vilson Dias de Oliveira, who allegedly extorted from priests and covered sexual abuse in the clergy.
In April, the 60-year-old bishop admitted to Brazilian police that he used $4,000 of the parish funds for personal use as he had financial problems.
He also admitted that he bought two coastal properties in Brazil worth $250,000, but maintained he used his family’s money and personal income.
Dias also allegedly protected a priest who committed sex abuse.
Last week, Pope Francis passed a landmark new measure requiring the clergy to report any case of sex abuse.
“Dear brothers and sisters, in recent months we have had to bear all sorts of crosses through attacks against our… church, against me and other presbyters,” Dias said in a statement.
“I ask to resign for the love of Christ and for the good of the diocese,” he added.
