Australia's Catholic priests have called on the Pope to sack Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, saying his refusal to resign from the role is "galling."
In May, Wilson became the most senior Catholic cleric to be convicted of not disclosing to police abuse by another priest.
The National Council of Priests say his position has been compromised and the welfare of Adelaide's Catholics must come first.
"The executive of the NCP requests that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, removes Archbishop Philip Wilson from his See," the council said in a statement issued on Friday.
"Archbishop Wilson remained in office for the duration of his trial. He only stood down after his conviction. This appearance of inequity is an affront to natural justice and galling to both priests and laity."
But the council’s spokesman was more circumspect in this remarks about Wilson’s replacement, Bishop Greg O’Kelly, who stands accused of mishandling an abuse complaint while headmaster of Adelaide’s St Ignatius College in 1995.
The council’s chairman, Father Jim Clarke, told SBS News on Saturday the 76-year-old was in a “very invidious position” of having to act as caretaker for the Adelaide Archdiocese on top of his own duties as Bishop of Port Pirie.
“He has responded graciously to the request of the Holy Father. But he is ready to retire himself,” said Father Clarke, who described the church’s past mishandling of abuse claims as “failures of leadership”.
“Should Archbishop Wilson resign, then that would leave the See of Adelaide vacant for a new archbishop and I think that would be the best course of action.”
Wilson, who was sentenced to a year's detention this month, has stepped aside as Adelaide Archbishop but has not resigned, insisting he will do so only if he is unsuccessful in an appeal.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday called for the Pope to sack Wilson.
The council said when an accusation is levelled at a parish priest or when he is charged with a criminal offence, he is automatically stood down until his guilt or innocence is established.
"The Archbishop has been convicted of the crime of concealing knowledge of criminal behaviour while he was a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle," the NCP statement said.
"While the Archbishop is exercising his constitutional right to appeal his conviction, his tenure as Archbishop of Adelaide has been compromised.
"The welfare of the People of God of the Archdiocese of Adelaide must take precedence over the desire of an individual to remain in office."
