Bishop of Norwich announces resignation

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) — The Bishop of Norwich Tuesday announced his resignation has been accepted by Pope Francis.

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. submitted his resignation on June 19, on his 75th birthday, which is standard in the Canon Law of the Church.

Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne of the Archdiocese of Hartford was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich.

“It has been a profound honor and joy to serve as your bishop for over two decades,” Bishop Cote said in a statement.

Three years ago, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it faced nearly 60 sex abuse lawsuits.

In 2019, the Diocese of Norwich released a list of 43 priests who have had allegations of sexual abuse brought against them. The names went back decades, and in some cases more than 50 years.

At that time, the Diocese of Norwich said it had paid out more than $7 million to nine victims, and there were still 23 cases for victims that are pending.

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