Ex-church Official Housed at Jail Pope Plans to Visit; Serving 3 Years over Abuse Complaints

Fox News
July 2, 2015

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/07/02/ex-church-official-housed-at-jail-pope-plans-to-visit-serving-3-years-over/

In this Jan. 6, 2014 photo, Monsignor William Lynn walks from the criminal justice center after a bail hearing in Philadelphia. Lynn, a former church official jailed for his handling of priest sexual-abuse complaints, is housed in a Philadelphia prison that Pope Francis plans to visit during his U.S. trip. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (The Associated Press)

The Philadelphia prison that Pope Francis plans to visit during his U.S. trip houses a former church official jailed for his handling of abuse complaints.

Monsignor William Lynn is serving a three-year prison term after being convicted of endangering children in the Philadelphia archdiocese.

The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported that Lynn is being housed at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Center while he appeals his 2012 conviction.

It's not clear if he will still be there for the pope's Sept. 27 visit or whether he would be among the inmates picked to meet with him.

Defense lawyer Thomas Bergstrom says Lynn would no doubt welcome the experience.

The 64-year-old Lynn is the first U.S. church official ever charged for keeping accused priests on the job.

Pope Francis has condemned church officials who cover up for pedophile priests.