On March 23, the Vatican announced that Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati will no longer be Archbishop of Santiago de Chile.
The cardinal is 77-years-old and, as all bishops, he handed in resignation when he turned 75. It is not uncommon for popes to let years pass before they accept a resignation.
However, Ezzati is now being investigated by the justice system in Chile. This is for alleged cover-ups of abusive priests. The cardinal has claimed he is innocent and hopes to be able to defend himself soon. Until a substitute is named, the archdiocese will be managed by the Capuchin Celestino Aós.
Ricardo Ezzati is not the only cardinal under investigation for possible cover-up of abuses committed by priests.
At present, French Card. Philippe Barbarin, case is still open. He was found guilty, but has filed an appeal to defend his innocence.
