<p>Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal as bishop of Jalandhar in northern India, who was acquitted last year of repeatedly raping a nun over a two year period.</p>.<p>The Vatican announced the decision on Thursday, without giving any further information.</p>.<p>Mulakkal, 59, was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar, in Punjab state, in 2013. He stepped down temporarily from the post in 2018 when he was accused by a nun of raping her multiple times.</p>.<p>A court acquitted him in January 2022, but both the investigating officer and the nun have appealed the verdict.</p>.<p>Indian media said Pope Francis met Mulakkal in February, but the Vatican gave no information about the encounter.</p>.<p>Bishops traditionally hand in their resignation when they turn 75.</p>
<p>Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal as bishop of Jalandhar in northern India, who was acquitted last year of repeatedly raping a nun over a two year period.</p>.<p>The Vatican announced the decision on Thursday, without giving any further information.</p>.<p>Mulakkal, 59, was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar, in Punjab state, in 2013. He stepped down temporarily from the post in 2018 when he was accused by a nun of raping her multiple times.</p>.<p>A court acquitted him in January 2022, but both the investigating officer and the nun have appealed the verdict.</p>.<p>Indian media said Pope Francis met Mulakkal in February, but the Vatican gave no information about the encounter.</p>.<p>Bishops traditionally hand in their resignation when they turn 75.</p>