WASHINGTON (March 13, 2002) -- Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop Anthony J. O'Connell from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, made the announcement.

The Holy Father appointed Father James Murtagh, the diocesan vicar general, as apostolic administrator.

Bishop O'Connell, who also served as the founding bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville from 1988 to 1998, submitted his resignation after confirming news accounts that earlier in his priesthood he was involved in the abuse of a minor.

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