The remains of former Bishop Eamonn Casey have been removed from Galway Cathedral due to child abuse allegations. Casey resigned in 1992 after fathering a child and died in 2017. The removal followed a year-long consultation and a consensus on the Cathedral's role. The Casey family agreed to the removal and requested a private final resting place.
5 months ago
The remains of former Irish Bishop Eamonn Casey were removed from their burial place in Galway Cathedral on July 19, 2025 1. This unprecedented public censure for an Irish bishop followed a yearlong consultation within the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora 1. The decision was based on a "significant consensus" that a cathedral should serve as a place of unity, healing, and peace, rather than division or disquiet 1. Bishop Casey's family assented to the removal and requested that his new resting place remain private 1.
Bishop Casey, who died in 2017 at age 89, was buried in the Galway Cathedral crypt after a large funeral 1. His initial fall from grace occurred in 1992 with the revelation of his affair with Annie Murphy and the birth of their son, Peter, leading to his resignation and departure from Ireland 1. He was also known to have misappropriated diocesan funds for his son's upkeep 1.
However, new and more severe allegations of child sexual abuse against Casey emerged publicly in July 2024, following a documentary titled "Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets" 1. The documentary alleged that the Vatican had investigated Casey for abuse concerning five individuals, including his own niece, Patricia Donovan, who claimed abuse from age five for a decade 1. It was revealed that the Vatican had restricted his ministry before his death due to these allegations, though this was not publicly known during his lifetime 1. The Diocese of Limerick had received abuse complaints against Casey as early as 2001, with further complaints in 2005 and 2014, and one victim received £100,000 in compensation in 2019 1.
The 2024 documentary sparked a significant public outcry in Ireland, with many demanding the disinterment of Casey's remains from the cathedral 1. Retired Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin praised Bishop Michael Duignan of Galway for making the "right decision" and fulfilling his promise to address the matter 1. Former Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also welcomed the decision, expressing hope that it would bring "some small level of comfort" to those who suffered abuse 1.
How does the Church address clerical misconduct and accountability?
The Catholic Church addresses clerical misconduct and accountability through a framework of canonical norms, procedural guidelines, and a commitment to transparency and victim support. This framework has evolved significantly, particularly in response to the sexual abuse crisis, which Pope Francis acknowledged as undermining the Church's ability to bear witness to God's liberating presence .
The primary legal instruments governing clerical misconduct and accountability include the Motu Proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi (VELM) and the Normae de gravioribus delictis .
The Church's approach to addressing misconduct includes specific provisions for investigation and victim support.
The Church's penal system aims to restore justice, correct the guilty party, and repair scandals .
The Church acknowledges that the failure to act properly to halt evil and assist victims has sullied its witness to God's love . A continuous and profound conversion of hearts, attested by concrete and effective actions, is needed to prevent such phenomena from recurring . The Church continues to learn from past lessons and strives for improvements based on experience , .