French prosecutor dismisses case against Cardinal Barbarin

August 02, 2016

A French prosecutor has closed an investigation into Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon, who had been accused of failing to report child abuse by a priest in his archdiocese.

The prosecutor concluded that there was no compelling evidence that the cardinal had concealed evidence of abuse. Cardinal Barbarin had consistently said that he had taken action against a priest-abuser as soon as he was made aware of complaints. The priest had been suspended, then restored to ministry, after he admitted to the accuracy of earlier complaints, which were brought before Cardinal Barbarin arrived in Lyon.

 

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Further information:

• French prosecutor throws out abuse cover-up claim against cardinal (AP)
• French Cardinal Barbarin suspends four priests, restricts others, after sex-abuse complaints (CWN, 6/30)