Pope Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, Bishop Francis X. Irwin

WASHINGTON—Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation Bishop Francis X. Irwin from the office of auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. In January, Bishop Irwin reached the canonical age for retirement of bishops, 75. The acceptance of the resignation was made public by the Vatican October 20.  
           
Pope John Paul II appointed Monsignor Francis Irwin as Auxiliary Bishop of Boston and Titular Bishop of Ubaza on July 24, 1996.
           
Francis X. Irwin was born January 9, 1934, in Medford, Massachusetts. He did his theological studies at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Mass., and attained a degree in Social Work at Boston College. He was ordained a priest on February 2, 1960, in Boston. 
           
Prior to his appointment as bishop, Monsignor Irwin served as pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Arlington, Mass., 1993-1996; pastor of St. Suzanna Parish, Dedham, Mass., 1991-1993; archdiocesan secretary for Social Services, 1985-1993; and archdiocesan director for Catholic Charities, 1982-1985. Prior assignments also include working with Catholic Relief Services in Thailand, 1981-1982.

The Archdiocese of Boston has a total population of 3,844,675 people, of which 1,484,661, or 39 percent, are Catholic.