VATICAN CITY
AP/Reuters via Australian Broadcasting Corporation
October 12, 2018
The archbishop of Washington DC stepped down over the handling of sex abuse cases but received praise from the Pope, drawing criticism from campaigners who said it showed the Catholic Church cared more for its leaders than abuse victims.
He becomes one of the highest-ranking Catholic leaders to step aside over global accusations that the church harboured sex abusers.
His resignation also further exposes a rift between Pope Francis and members of the church’s conservative wing, some of whom say the Pope himself should quit over the sex abuse crisis.
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