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Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Cardinal, Accused of Covering Sex Abuse

© AP Photo / Riccardo De LucaPope Francis waves to faithful as he leaves at the end of his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Pope Francis waves to faithful as he leaves at the end of his weekly general audience, in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - Sputnik International
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ROME (Sputnik) - Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, the archbishop of Santiago, who has been accused of covering up sexual abuse within the church, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday.

"The Holy Father Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Santiago de Chile, Chile, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, S.D.B.," the Holy See press service said.

The pope has named Bishop Celestino Braco of the Chilean city of Copiapo as the apostolic administrator who will run the Santiago archdiocese until a new archbishop is named to succeed Ezzati.

In this March 3, 2016 file photo, Australian cardinal George Pell reads a statement to reporters as he leaves the Quirinale hotel after meeting members of the Australian group of relatives and victims of priestly sex abuses, in Rome, Italy. - Sputnik International
Vatican Treasurer George Pell Found Guilty of Child Abuse - Reports

Ezzati, 77, has been accused of covering up sexual abuse allegedly committed by Chilean Catholic clergy members. He denies wrongdoing.

READ MORE: French Cardinal to Resign After Conviction of Failing to Report Child Abuse

More than 100 Catholic clergy members in Chile are currently being investigated over the alleged sexual abuse of minors. The scandal erupted in 2011 after the Chilean Catholic church completed an investigation and found Father Fernando Karadima guilty of sexually abusing minors. The scandal has rocked the Catholic church and in September the pope called an unprecedented meeting in Rome, inviting bishops to discuss sexual misconduct in the church.

READ MORE: Almost 400 Minors Were Abused by Polish Clergy Since 1990 — Catholic Church

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