Investigation into Archbishop of Lyon dropped after insufficient evidence in child sexual abuse case

An investigation into the Archbishop of Lyon’s alleged failure to remove a priest in his diocese accused of child sexual abuse has been dropped.

Lyon prosecutor Marc Cimamonti told The Associated Press on Monday that there wasn’t sufficient evidence against Cardinal Philippe Barbarin and the statute of limitations had expired for some of the allegations.

Cardinal Philippe Barbarin was questioned by police in June about Fr Bernard Preynat, who allegedly sexually abused several minors for a number of years between 1986 and 1991. The abuse was not reported to civil authorities and the priest was only removed from his parish last year.

The Cardinal was asked about a complaint by six victims who alleged that he did not report a series of accusations against the priest over a number of years.

At the time Cardinal Barbarin denied any wrongdoing and said he did not cover up for Fr Bernard Preynat, but did admit to “mistakes in the management and appointment of certain priests”. The alleged abuse took place before Barbarin was appointed to the Lyon diocese in 2002.

In June Pope Francis issued a new Church law to remove bishops from office if they mishandle abuse complaints and fail to act over child sex abuse.