Head of New Orleans’ embattled Catholic archdiocese offers to resign

Gregory Aymond's offer, required because he turns 75, says he wants to stay for resolution of institution's bankruptcy but adds it is up to Pope Francis

New Orleans' Roman Catholic archbishop Gregory Aymond is submitting his resignation Tuesday, on his 75th birthday, fulfilling a church requirement - though it is unclear if Vatican officials would immediately accept it with his scandal-plagued organization's expensive, highly contentious bankruptcy case still unresolved.

In a letter issued on Friday to priests and deacons under his command, Aymond cited canon - or church - law that required him to offer to retire because of his age. But he said he also offered to remain in office until the resolution of the bankruptcy.