The Vatican has accepted the unexpected resignation of Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty this morning. Sources are saying that Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, who is also metropolitan for the province, has been named apostolic administrator of the 11-country diocese. No specifics are available yet as to what has led to the resignation of 63-year-old Bishop Martino and his 77-year-old auxiliary, although a press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning.
UPDATE: At the press conference, Bishop Martino cited "insomnia and crippling physical fatigue" as the reason for his resignation.
"As the song says, you have to know when to hold them and when to fold them," Bishop Martino said. "And I think it's time to move on."Click HERE to read the updated Times-Tribune story on the resignation.
