Former Paris archbishop says Pope supports him despite resignation (Vatican News)

Archbishop Michel Aupetit reports that he had a “warm exchange” with Pope Francis last week, in which the Pontiff said that the the former Archbishop of Paris was “the victim of hypocrisy and clericalism.”

Archbishop Aupetit offered his resignation after being accused of an improper relationship with a woman. (The archbishop said that he and the woman were good friends, but denied any impropriety.) Pope Francis said that the criticism was unfair, but nevertheless accepted the resignation.

In a conversation with Vatican News, the archbishop revealed that Pope Francis had encouraged him to keep his post as a member of the Congregation for Bishops—an indication that his resignation was not a reflection on his character.