Archbishop's letter alleges Pope Francis covered for cardinal accused of sexual abuse

An 11-page letter from Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, former Vatican ambassador to the United States, accuses Pope Francis of covering for and elevating Theodore McCarrick, a cardinal who resigned his post in July amid sexual abuse allegations. Vigano's missive, published Saturday, calls for Francis to resign. Per Vigano, McCarrick's misconduct was known in Catholic hierarchy for years, and former Pope Benedict ordered him to seclusion for prayer and penance. Pope Francis allegedly removed those sanctions and made McCarrick "his trusted counselor." Vigano is a conservative who has clashed with the more liberal Francis in the past.

Source: The Associated Press, National Catholic Register