Pope Francis Says Cardinal Barbarin Shouldn’t Resign over Cover-up Accusations

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, archbishop of Lyon, France, was questioned by police about allegedly covering up for a diocesan priest accused of sexual abuse, BBC reported in June. The previous month, Pope Francis said in an interview with La Croix that Barbarin’s resignation “would be a mistake, an imprudence,” because “Cardinal Barbarin has taken the necessary measures and has taken things well in hand.” Reuters reported that several alleged victims have filed complaints against the cardinal for leaving the accused priest in office and not informing civil authorities.