On Tuesday, Pope Francis announced that he had accepted the resignation of Jean-Pierre Blais, the 75-year-old bishop of Baie-Comeau in Quebec.
This decision comes amid a class-action lawsuit against the Church alleging sexual assault, in which Blais is named.
The pope did not specify a reason for Blais’ replacement, and the diocese clarified that the resignation was unrelated to the allegations. Reverend Pierre Charland, 62, a senior member of Canada’s Roman Catholic Franciscan order, has been appointed as Blais’ successor.
In a statement, the pope reiterated that bishops are required to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. The decision to accept such resignations is made after considering all relevant circumstances.
Blais, who has denied any wrongdoing, is listed among alleged sexual predators in a class-action lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of Quebec. The Diocese of Baie-Comeau emphasized that Blais’ replacement was not connected to these allegations and reaffirmed the Church’s policy on the mandatory resignation of bishops upon turning 75.
