Woman accuses Cardinal DiNardo of dismissing sex abuse case

HOUSTON (AP) - Cardinal DiNardo, the cardinal leading the U.S. Catholic Church's response to sex abuse, is being accused of mishandling a case in which his deputy allegedly manipulated a woman into a sexual relationship, even as he counseled her husband on their marriage and solicited their donations.

The allegations against Cardinal Daniel DiNardo come just a week before he presides over a meeting of U.S. bishops to adopt new accountability measures.

Laura Pontikes said DiNardo thanked her for coming forward in April 2016 and called her a "victim."

But DiNardo allowed Monsignor Frank Rossi to return to ministry in a different diocese. The archdiocese said the relationship was consensual and Rossi had completed a "renewal" program.

On Tuesday, Rossi's new bishop put him on temporary leave after Associated Press inquired about a police investigation.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released the following statement: