Wuerl's resignation according to Guardian was accepted by the Vatican on Friday after months of mounting pressure following revelations of systematic abuse by priests in the state of Pennsylvania, and a cover-up by bishops.

The archbishop was reported to have offered his resignation in 2015 when he turned 75 as required under canon law, but Pope Francis reportedly kept him in post.

In a statement released on September 21, 2018, Wuerl said his departure “permits this local church to move forward” saying he apologised for any past errors in judgment.

He said, “You have sufficient elements to ‘justify’ your actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems and to commit some mistakes.

“However, your nobility has led you not to choose this way of defence. Of this, I am proud and thank you.”