Pope Francis has ruled out the fast-track resignation of a French cardinal who is accused of failing to inform the authorities about an alleged paedophile priest. The pope has said that it would be "contradictory, imprudent" to seek Cardinal Philippe Barbarin's resignation at this stage. "We will see after the end of (any) trial. But (to seek his resignation) now would be to imply guilt," the pontiff said.

Francis said that he believed Barbarin had "taken the necessary measures, he took things in hand. He is brave, creative, a missionary. We should now wait for the outcome of the civilian judicial procedure."

Barbarin, the archbishop of Lyon, is facing a storm over his handling of the allegations against Father Bernard Preynat, accused of sex attacks on four boy scouts between 1986 and 1991.

"He is lacking many of the elements needed to have a clear idea of the situation. I think the pope does not have all the ins and outs (of the situation) to consider that Cardinal Barbarin should remain in place," One of the group's founders, Francois Devaux said.

A source close to the cardinal said that the pope was commenting for the first time on the matter and that it was "an expression of confidence between two men who know and respect each other."

According to the diocese, Barbarin has first received a testimony from an alleged victim in mid-2014 and relieved Preynat of priestly office in May 2015. An association called La Parole Liberee ("The Liberated Word") says it has identified between 50 and 60 victims.

By Premji