Pope Francis, who accepted the resignation of the 54-year-old prelate on Saturday, appointed his predecessor, Mgr Lin Chi-nan Wood, as apostolic administrator.

The news took the diocese by surprise. Bishop Lee was ordained and installed only on 1 January. Born and raised in the community of Tainan, he was appointed on 14 November.

The local diocese covers a territory with a population of almost 2 million people, including 7,500 Catholics.

In a letter to the diocese, Bishop Lee explains his decision by saying that he had "psychological and physical problems."

"After long prayers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I humbly accept that I have a serious health problem," he writes, adding that he chose to resign "for the good of the diocese."

Read More