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Archbishop Philip Wilson plans to remain head of Adelaide archdiocese for the next eight years despite his lawyers telling a Newcastle court on Tuesday that he had Alzheimer’s disease and might not be fit to stand trial.

In a statement on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the shock diagnosis put his landmark trial for allegedly failing to report child sex allegations on hold, the archbishop, 67, told his Adelaide archdiocese he could see out his term until the mandatory retirement age of 75.

The full statement

28 - 11 - 2017

To the priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and all the People of God in the Archdiocese of Adelaide,

I wish to share with you some important information about my health.

On October 11 this year, I had a nasty fall and injured my head. I was unconscious for a small amount of time and I lost a lot of blood. The blood thinner medication I take contributed to the significant blood loss.

In the weeks following this event, some of my colleagues noticed that I was not myself and advised me to have a number of medical tests.

As a result of those tests, it was determined that I needed a pacemaker attached to my heart, and the neurological tests have diagnosed that I have Alzheimer’s disease.

And all this has been occurring while I have been preparing for the trial that begins today (November 28, 2017) in Newcastle, NSW. I have informed the Court about my recent diagnoses which I hope will not prevent the process from at least starting. However, I am advised that it is now solely a matter for the Court to determine what will need to happen from this point.  

Of course, I am aware that the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is one that will alarm many people.

It is a present reality that much stigma is still associated with Alzheimer’s disease. An initial reaction by many people is to think that life is all but over, and that a person with such a diagnosis cannot continue to live a productive life and contribute to society. I am fully aware that some people will now judge me in this light. But I hope to prove them wrong!

I have been prescribed medication that may assist me greatly in slowing the progress of this disease and indeed improve my present condition and I will, of course, see my neurologist regularly for testing and medical support. However, if a point comes in the next 8 years before my mandatory retirement as Archbishop of Adelaide, at 75 years of age, and I am advised by my doctors that the effects of Alzheimer’s disease might be beginning to impair my ability to function properly as Archbishop, I will offer my resignation to the Holy Father.

I have informed Pope Francis’ Ambassador in Australia, the Apostolic Nuncio, of my diagnoses and will provide him with the medical reports from my specialist physicians and I will update him regularly with the results of tests and consultations with my neurologist during the years ahead.

With the grace of God, I am at peace with the situation in which I now find myself. I am in God’s hands and I trust in the love and care of the Lord on the journey of life I have before me.

I ask that you take this information that I am providing to you calmly and peacefully. There is no cause for panic. I will continue to be present to you with all the love I have for the Archdiocese of Adelaide. And I intend to reach out to others who live with the Alzheimer’s condition and to be a sign of support and encouragement to them.

Yours sincerely

Most Rev Philip Wilson DD JCL

Archbishop of Adelaide