Archbishop says Pope Francis long knew of cardinal's abuses and must resign

DUBLIN – On the final day of Pope Francis’ mission to Ireland, as he issued candid apologies for devastating clerical sex abuse scandals, a former top Vatican diplomat alleged in a letter published Sunday that the pope himself had joined top Vatican officials in covering up the abuses and called for his resignation.

The letter, a bombshell written by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former top Vatican diplomat in the United States and a staunch critic of Francis, seemed timed to do more than simply derail the pope’s uphill efforts to win back the Irish faithful, who have turned away from the church in large numbers.

http://www.startribune.com/archbishop-says-pope-francis-long-knew-of-cardinal-s-abuses-and-must-resign/491767651/