Norwich Bishop Michael Cote’s retirement approved by Pope Francis [Video]

NORWICH, Conn. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., as Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich.

Cote submitted his resignation when he turned 75 years old on June 19 following the tradition of the Canon Law of the Church. Roman Catholic diocese bishops are required to file for retirement upon reaching age 75.

The Diocese of Norwich made the announcement on Tuesday that Pope Francis accepted Cote’s resignation. According to the diocese, Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, of the Archdiocese of Hartford, has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich.

Cote will now transition to the role of Bishop Emeritus after 21 years shepherding the Diocese of Norwich. The diocese shared a statement from Cote.

“It has been …