By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, June 1, 2023: Pope Francis on June 1 accepted the resignation of Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar, who was acquitted in a rape case 18 months ago.

A press note from the New Delhi-based apostolic nunciature announcing the resignation says the Vatican “respects the verdict of the Additional District and Sessions Court Kottayam, Kerala, acquitting Bishop Mulakkal from the allegations concerning him as well as the appeal against the acquittal which has been admitted by the Kerala High Court.”

The nunciature further says the Vatican requested Mulakkal’s resignation not as a disciplinary measure but for the good of the diocese that needs a new bishop especially since the case against him still faces a “divisive situation.”

The Vatican embassy also clarifies that Bishop Mulakkal has no canonical restriction to exercise his ministry as a priest.

Meanwhile, a video message circulated by a clean-shaven Bishop Mulakkal among his friends and associates says Pope Francis has accepted his letter of resignation written after consultations with his superiors and prayers.

“Let me inform you this with joy and gratitude,” says Bishop Mulakkal who goes on to thank those who have loved him, prayed for him, shared in his pains, and stood with him during his difficult times.

“On this occasion, I offer all the sufferings that I have experienced directly and indirectly and the troubles that it has caused at the feet of the Crucified Lord. God bless you.”

He also prays that his sufferings and pains and the tears he had shed before the Almighty lead to the renewal of the Church, the strengthening of the faith, and his own sanctification and the glorification of God.

The 59-year-old prelate assures his people that they would continue to be in his prayers and Masses.

Bishop Mulakkal headed the diocese of Jalandhar from 2013 until September 2018 when he requested the Pope to relieve him from pastoral duties as he left for Kerala to face police interrogation on charges of raping a nun.

He is the first bishop in the Indian Catholic Church to be arrested in a rape case. In January 2022 the Kottayam district court declared him innocent and acquitted of all charges.

Meanwhile in September 2018, the Pope appointed an administrator for the diocese of Jalandhar.