WBRZ - Baton Rouge

An Irish bishop resigned after admitting he didn't challenge the Dublin church's policy of covering up clerical sex abuse.

The Vatican says the pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop James Moriarty of Kildare under a code of canon law that allows bishops to resign if they are ill, or for some other "grave reason" that makes them "unsuited for the fulfilment of his office."

In Britain, Roman Catholic leaders have apologized for child abuse by clergy, saying the scandal has brought shame on the church.