Bishop of Dromore, Dr John McAreavey, has been under pressure since revelations emerged earlier this month about paedophile priest Malachy Finegan.
Timeline:
February 8 - Bishop McAreavey says he regrets officiating at Finegan's funeral in 2002 as news emerges of the priest's crimes
- On the same day, it emerges that the Diocese of Dromore has reached a settlement with one of the 12 abuse victims. St Colman's College confirms it has removed Finnegan's images from school photos
February 11 - Bishop's apology is read out at all Masses in Dromore Diocese
February 13 - A solicitor representing some victims criticises the Church's response to allegations against Fr Finegan and calls for a public inquiry into clerical abuse
February 15 - Parents of some children at three Catholic primary schools in Co Down say they do not want Bishop McAreavey to officiate at their children's confirmations
February 23 - Clonduff GAC in Hilltown urges any victims of abuse by Fr Finegan to come forward
February 27 - Five of Fr Finegan's victims lodge a complaint against police for failing to investigate abuse allegations when he was still alive
On the same day, Mass-goers are told the current priest in Hilltown, Co Down, will no longer stay overnight in the parochial house used by Fr Finegan, and where he had abused some victims, after some parishioners say they will not use it
March 1 - Pressure continues to grow on Bishop McAreavey who is forced to issue a fresh statement after it emerges he celebrated Mass alongside Fr Finegan in 2000 despite being aware of the allegations against him since 1994
Later yesterday in highly unusual move bishop issues a further statement tendering resignation with immediate effect
