Bishop Thomas L. Dupre of Springfield, Mass., resigns; health cited

Published: 2004-02-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation, for health reasons, of Bishop Thomas L. Dupre of Springfield, Mass. Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, papal nuncio to the United States, made the announcement in Washington Feb. 11. Bishop Dupre, 70, has been a bishop since 1990 and head of the Springfield Diocese since 1995. His successor was not named immediately. Diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont said Bishop Dupre left the diocese Feb. 10 for treatment at a medical facility. He declined to give details, citing concern for the bishop's privacy. Last May, in an interview with The Republican, Springfield daily newspaper, Bishop Dupre said he was considering retiring early because of his health. He has a heart condition and has had back problems.

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