Child sexual abuse in Catholic church was ‘swept under the carpet’, inquiry finds

Leader of church in England and Wales refusing to resign despite damning IICSA report

Pope Francis recently asked the leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales to stay in his post, it has been revealed, as calls grow for Cardinal Vincent Nichols' resignation after a damning report concluded that the church repeatedly prioritised its reputation over the welfare of victims.

In its final review of the church, the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA) was scathing in its criticism of the leadership of Nichols, the archbishop of Westminster, and said the Vatican's failure to cooperate with the investigation passes understanding".