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English journalist calls for resignation of Dean of the College of Cardinals

CWN - July 09, 2010

William Oddie, the former editor of London’s Catholic Herald, argues that Cardinal Angelo Sodano should step down from his post as Dean of the College of Cardinals; otherwise, he suggests, a scandal is nearly inevitable.

“Cardinal Sodano appears to have an exceptionally sinister record of shielding abusers, particularly eminent ones, which goes back many years,” Oddie argues. That record would be exposed to keen public scrutiny if the Italian prelate, as dean of the College, presided at the funeral of a Pope.

Oddie is wrong on one point. Because he is over 80 years old—he will be 83 in November- Cardinal Sodano would not participate in the next papal conclave. However, the advanced age of the former Secretary of State could be cited as another reason for his resignation.

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