Boston Catholic Clergy To Meet In Weston To Discuss Abuse Allegations And Aftermath

Pope Francis will neither confirm nor deny an accusation from the former Vatican ambassador to the U.S. that the pope knew five years ago about abuse allegations by the former cardinal of Washington, D.C.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano says he told the pope in 2013 about the alleged abuse of boys and young men by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Vigano is calling for the pope's resignation.

He is part of a conservative faction that blames clergy sex abuse on homosexuality. His accusation overshadowed the pope's visit this weekend to Ireland.

This is a watershed moment for clergy across the world, including here in New England. Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley has summoned archdiocesan priests to meet Tuesday afternoon at St. Julia Parish Hall in Weston.

Morning Edition spoke to Father Brian Clary of St. Ann and St. Brendan parishes in Dorchester about what he hopes it will accomplish.