Pope defends decision to keep French cardinal after cover-up

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis has defended his decision to reject French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin’s resignation after he was convicted of covering up for a predator priest, saying the appeals process must run its course before a final decision is made.
Francis also explained why he rejected proposals by U.S. bishops to respond to the sex abuse scandal there, saying they neglected the spiritual dimension required for a true reform.
Francis referred to both cases during