The Pope has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as Archbishop of Washington following reports of failures in his handling of abusive priests in the 1990s.

Wuerl, 77, was appointed by Pope Benedict in 2006 and originally resigned when he was 75, in accordance with Church rules.

He was criticised in a grand jury report in August which highlighted his actions regarding priests accused of misconduct, and wrote to the Vatican requesting that his resignation be accepted on September 21.

Accepting his request, Pope Francis said it 'rests on two pillars that have marked and continue to mark your ministry: to seek in all things the greater glory of God and to procure the good of the people entrusted to your care'.

He said Wuerl could have defended himself, but praised him for not doing so. 'You have sufficient elements to "justify" your actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems, and to commit some mistakes,' Francis said. 'However, your nobility has led you not to choose this way of defence. Of this, I am proud and thank you.'

Wuerl will remain as 'Apostolic Administrator' of the Washington archdiocese until his successor is appointed.

In a statement he said he was 'deeply touched by [Francis'] gracious words of understanding'.

'The Holy Father's decision to provide new leadership to the Archdiocese can allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future,' he said. 'It permits this local Church to move forward. Once again for any past errors in judgment I apologize and ask for pardon. My resignation is one way to express my great and abiding love for you the people of the Church of Washington.'

The Catholic Church in the US has been engulfed in scandals around sexual abuse by priests. Wuerl's resignation came only two months after the Vatican accepted the resignation of retired Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick from the College of Cardinals; McCarrick also faces accusations of abuse and Pope Francis has been accused of ignoring complaints about him.