Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of his ambassador to Britain who has reached the retirement age of 75.
The Vatican announced that Archbishop Edward Adams, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, would be leaving his role, although the Holy See has yet announce who is successor will be.
Archbishop Adams, born in Philadelphia in the United States, was appointed to his position under three years ago and was the first native English speaker to hold his post in 54 years.
As nuncio, his role was to be the Holy See’s representative to Government authorities in England, Wales and Scotland, while also playing a crucial role in the selection of bishops in those countries.
During his time in office the Vatican diplomat faced criticism for not giving evidence to the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA). As a Holy See ambassador he has diplomatic immunity and could not be compelled to give evidence.
IICSA wanted information about the apostolic nunciature’s handling of abuse at Ealing Abbey and St Benedict’s school, particularly on the case of Laurence Soper, the former abbot who skipped bail while under suspicion for abuse.
It later emerged that the Vatican financial authorities provided crucial information which led to the arrest and conviction for Soper for child abuse offences.
During his time in office the nuncio was credited with overseeing a number of well-received episcopal appointments in England and Wales including a new Archbishop of Southwark and bishops in Lancaster and Northampton.
The news of the archbishop’s departure from office was released on 31 January, the day that Britain departs the European Union.
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