Pope rules out early resignation for French cardinal in paedophilia storm
Pope Francis has ruled out seeking the fast-track resignation of a French cardinal accused of failing to inform the authorities about an alleged paedophile priest, the French newspaper La Croix reported on Tuesday.
In an interview with the Catholic daily on Monday, the pope said it would be "contradictory, imprudent" to seek Cardinal Philippe Barbarin's resignation at this stage.
"We will see after the end of (any) trial. But (to seek his resignation) now would be to imply guilt," the pontiff said.
Francis said he believed Barbarin had "taken the necessary measures, he took things in hand. He is brave, creative, a missionary. We should now wait for the outcome of the civilian judicial procedure."...
Dr. Alan Cairns | 8/3/2009
