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HOUSTON (AP) — 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.
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