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Joseph Martino

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SCRANTON - Saying he was suffering from insomnia and “crippling physical fatigue,” Bishop Joseph Martino announced his resignation from the Diocese of Scranton this morning.

 Speaking at a press conference, Martino spoke of the stress he has been under as he made controversial decisions, including the closure of schools and churches – decisions he said have not been embraced by members of the clergy or parishioners.

 Martino said the diocese now needs a bishop who is “physically vigorous” to lead it into the future.

 “I am not that bishop,” he said.

 The Vatican has appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali of the archdiocese of Philadelphia to oversee the diocese pending the appointment of a new bishop.

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