He was asked to resign, the Pope continues to remain silent

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano directly accused the Holy Father of covering charges of sexual abuse of an American cardinal. The pope was questioned on these charges by reporters present on his return flight to Rome after a two - day visit to Ireland on weekends. He said there is no single word to say about the 11-page letter of Archbishop Vigano.

“ “E for all of you who are interested, read the document carefully and judge it yourself. I can't say a word. I think the document speaks for itself”.

It was time for the publication of the letter, as the pope addressed sexual abuse by priests during his visit to Ireland, that has raised questions about whether Pope Francis is facing an attack co-ordinated by traditionalists within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.

“You have enough journalistic capacity to draw conclusions”, the Father of Holy told accompanying reporters. When a little time goes by and you've drawn your conclusions, maybe I'll talk to”, he added.

But what is the claim of Archbishop Vigano? He says the pope knew all about allegations of sexual abuse by a prominent American cardinal for five years before accepting his resignation over the past month.

Archbishop Vigano says he had informed Pope Francis in 2013 that Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was facing widespread sexual abuse of seminarists and priests of lower rank.

Pope “knew from at least June 23, 2013 that McCarrick was a serial predator”, writes Archbishop Vogano, adding further that “ai knew the cardinal was a corrupt person but covered him to his bitter end”.

“Papa Francescu must be the first to set a good example for cardinals and bishops, who have covered McCarrick's abuses, and to resign along with all those”, it is written on paper.

However, Archbishop Vidano has offered no further written evidence to support the 2013 alleged conversation with the Pope. He served as Vatican ambassador to Washington from 2011 to 2016.