Pope Francis rejects Cardinal Marx' resignation

Pope Francis has rejected the resignation of the 67-year-old German Cardinal Reinhard Marx who had sought to leave his position as Archbishop of Munich and Freising in a gesture of personal responsibility for the sexual abuse by priests and unaccountability by bishops.

"It is important to me to share the responsibility for the catastrophe of the sexual abuse by Church officials over the past decades,” the cardinal, who has long advocated focusing on the needs of victims rather than protecting the interests and image of the Church, said in his resignation letter.

Cardinal Marx publicly announced on June 4 that he had sent his resignation to Pope Francis several days earlier.

Now, Pope Francis has rejected that resignation in a warm letter and signed “with brotherly affection”.

“Thank you for your Christian courage, which does not fear to be humbled before the reality of sin,” the pope wrote in his native Spanish.

“Taking up the crisis, personally and communally, is the only fruitful path,” the pope said in the letter published by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday.

“If you are tempted to think that by confirming your mission and not accepting your resignation, this Bishop of Rome (your brother who loves you) does not understand you, think of what Peter felt before the Lord when, in his own way, he presented his resignation,” and received the answer, “Tend my sheep.”

The pope said he agreed with the cardinal’s description of the sexual abuse crisis.

“I agree with you in describing the sad history of sexual abuse, and the way the Church has dealt with it until recently, as a catastrophe… We cannot remain indifferent to this crime,” the pope said. 

Francis also said that he appreciates the ending of Marx's letter and his willingness to continue “to be a priest and bishop of this Church,” committing himself to spiritual renewal.

“And this is my answer, dear brother,” the pope said. “Continue as you propose, but as Archbishop of Munich and Freising.”