Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit because his reputation was so damaged after the allegations that he could no longer rule his diocese, said Francis on Monday to journalists on the return flight from Athens to Rome.
Aupetit's resignation, which the Pope accepted on Thursday, is still an injustice.
The archbishop made mistakes by “gently stroking and massaging” his secretary years ago, according to the Pope.
That was a violation of the sixth commandment, but not a serious one and therefore not the only decisive factor.
"I accepted Aupetit's resignation not on the altar of truth, but on the altar of hypocrisy," said Francis.
The Pope accused the media and society of hypocrisy in this connection.
When asked by a French journalist about the reasons for Aupetit's resignation, Francis answered with a counter-question: What did the media think about it?
Incidentally, the media should research more closely and not judge on the basis of rumors.
The reason for Aupetit's offer of resignation to Pope Francis were quarrels within the archdiocese and rumors about a relationship with a woman in 2012. Aupetit rejected this, but admitted possible “ambiguous behavior”.
The media also accused Aupetit of rigid administration.
Pope Francis appointed the retired Archbishop of Marseille, Georges Pontier (78), as interim administrator ("Apostolic Administrator").