Pope accepts Iowa bishop's resignation for health reasons

Published: 2007-04-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Joseph L. Charron of Des Moines, Iowa, for reasons of health. A successor was not immediately named. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, announced the resignation in Washington April 10. Bishop Charron, 67, has headed the Des Moines Diocese for 13 years. He was diagnosed last year with polymyalgia rheumatica, a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes muscle aching and stiffness, especially in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs. Through The Catholic Mirror, Des Moines diocesan newspaper, he informed Catholics of the diagnosis last May. In July he wrote that he was learning he needed to reduce his activities. "When I control my schedule, the medication controls my disease, but when I don't, I pay the price physically," he said. In August he told Pope Benedict about his illness and requested permission to retire early. Canon law requires all bishops to submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75.

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