Pope Francis has defended his decision to reject French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin's resignation after he was convicted of covering up for a predator priest, saying he must wait for the appeals process to run its course before making a final decision.
Pope Francis, flanked by interim director of Holy See Press Office, Alessandro Gisotti, speaks to reporters on board the flight back to Rome from a two-day trip to Morocco, Sunday, March 31, 2019. Francis sought Sunday to encourage greater fraternity between Christians and Muslims in Morocco, telling his flock that showing the country's Muslim majority they are part of the same human family will help stamp out extremism.
Francis' papacy has been thrown into turmoil by the eruption of the scandal on multiple continents and his own handling of cases at the Vatican. Currently, two of his cardinals — Barbarin and Australian Cardinal George Pell — have criminal abuse-related convictions hanging over them, though both are appealing.
Francis said that presumption of innocence was necessary to guard against a "superficial media condemnation." In the news conference, Francis also defended his tendency to blame the devil for the abuse scandal, saying the crisis is of such magnitude and scale of filth that it cannot be understood without referencing the "mystery of evil."
At their November general meeting, the U.S. bishops had planned to vote on proposals to hold themselves accountable for sexual misconduct or negligence in handling abuse cases. But the Vatican blocked them from taking up the measures, which included a third-party confidential reporting system and a code of conduct.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
For French cardinal convicted of abuse coverup, Pope Francis stresses presumption of innocence“Maybe he is not innocent, but there is the presumption,” Francis told reporters during a news conference on a plane ride. The convicted priest has appealed.
Read more »
Pope defends keeping French cardinal convicted of cover-up in sex abuse scandalPope Francis defended his decision to reject French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin's resignation after he was convicted of covering up for a predator priest, saying Sunday that the appeals process must run its course before a final decision is made.
Read more »
Pope Francis ring-kissing controversy draws confusion over the long-standing traditionThe traditional act of kissing of the ring has historically symbolized respect for the office.
Read more »
Pope Francis said that Catholic women have 'legitimate claims' for justice, equalityPope Francis said in a document that women have 'legitimate claims' to seek more equality in the Catholic Church, but stopped short of endorsing recent calls to give women leadership roles.
Read more »
Pope Francis says church should support women’s rightsIn the letter to youth, the pope advocated for a flexible church open to women but offered few concrete measures.
Read more »
Pope Francis News & Videos - ABC NewsFollow the latest Pope Francis news stories and headlines. Get breaking news alerts when you download the ABC News App and subscribe to Pope Francis notifications.
Read more »
Watch: Pope Francis really really doesn't want anyone to kiss his papal ringThe pontiff appears uncomfortable with such traditional gestures of reverence.
Read more »
Pope Francis on immigration: Political leaders 'risk becoming prisoners of the walls they build'Speaking with reporters on board a plane, Pope Francis said on Sunday that political leaders who erect barriers to keep migrants out 'will end up becoming prisoners of the walls they build.'
Read more »