The Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced that Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. has submitted to Pope Francis his resignation from the Office of Diocesan Bishop, for reasons of ill health. 

Diagnosed with a form of acute leukemia in April 2018, Bishop Murry underwent intensive chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic.  In July of 2019, he re-entered the Cleveland Clinic for a re-occurrence of leukemia.  At that time, tests confirmed that he was in remission and that doctors were not recommending a bone-marrow transplant. 

In April, his leukemia returned and he resumed treatment.  With this third bout of leukemia, his present state of health leaves him less able to fulfill the tasks entrusted to him as bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown. 

Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown tells 21 News Bishop Murry's health has to be the forefront of his focuses. 

"With each bout of leukemia, the amount of stamina gets a little lesser," he said. "His stamina and his energy is not where it should be. He felt at this time, it's best to resign so he can center all of his attention on his health."

While Bishop Murry has submitted his resignation letter, he is still the Bishop of Youngstown until the resignation is accepted by Pope Francis. 

The letter must first be sent to Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. It is then sent to Rome, for the final approval of resignation from Holy Father. Upon final approval, a message is sent back to Bishop Murry, solidifying the resignation. 

Murry has been the bishop of the Youngstown Diocese since 2007. The Youngstown Diocese includes Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Stark, Portage, and Ashtabula counties.