Amid a sexual abuse scandal affecting the Diocese of Northampton in the United Kingdom, Pope Leo XIV named an apostolic administrator to oversee the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
The pontiff named Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster to replace Bishop David Oakley, who was charged with abuse of an underage girl.
In a statement addressing the charges against Oakley, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales expressed its pain upon learning of them and offered a heartfelt apology to all those affected.
"We are profoundly aware that the report of this allegation may reawaken painful memories for many people and again offer an unreserved apology to those who have been hurt by abuse in the Catholic Church in England and Wales," the bishops' statement said.
The bishops' conference also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding and ensuring the safety of all who attend their parishes and schools.
"Anybody who comes to our parishes, schools, and communities must be safe, and we are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding."
"We are committed to continual review and development, assisted by the independent auditing work of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, so that all our communities are places of safety and sanctuary for all," the bishops wrote.
The Diocese of Northampton did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
