REPORTAGE
At Saint-Jean cathedral in Lyon, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin celebrated his last mass on Sunday. The clergyman had resigned a few months ago, following the resounding pedophilia case of Father Bernard Preynat. During his farewell speech, the cardinal quickly mentioned this scandal that deeply marked the Church.
Philippe Barbarin had been sentenced at first instance for his silence on the sexual abuse of the former priest, before being acquitted on appeal. He had already offered his resignation to the pope, who had refused it pending the appeal, before accepting it in early March.
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"A great drama", according to him
During his homily which lasted fifteen minutes, Cardinal Barbarin did not have words in the direction of the victims but evoked the "ordeal" endured. "A great tragedy had happened in the diocese of Lyon. I had to bear this suffering unquestionably and make it right [...] even before the courts," he said.
"At the same time, I knew that I was not alone, that there were brothers and sisters behind who saw the seriousness of this drama and who knew that we had to ask for forgiveness," he said. added, before thanking his supporters.
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Parishioners moved
During Mass, Monseigneur Michel Dubost, who replaced the cardinal for a year in the diocese of Lyon after his conviction, spoke. "It seemed to me impossible for you to leave the diocese without being solemnly thanked," he said. Cardinal Barbarin, moved, then addressed the assistant, reduced to 350 people due to the coronavirus crisis.
The mass ended with the applause of the parishioners. "It was touching. And then, by his charisma, also by his preaching, he gave a lot. He will leave beautiful things," commented a faithful. "Very beautiful ceremony, very peaceful. We were able to really get together during this moment and it was magnificent," added a parishioner. Cardinal Barbarin will quickly leave the diocese of Lyon after 17 years at its helm. He was appointed chaplain in the diocese of Rennes.