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French Cardinal: I abused a 14-year-old girl while I was a priest

French Cardinal: I abused a 14-year-old girl while I was a priest

One of France's most senior Catholic Church cardinals has admitted abusing a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago and announced his retirement from his religious duties.

"Thirty-five years ago, when I was a priest, I behaved in a reprehensible way with a young 14-year-old girl," said Ricard. "My behavior has inevitably caused serious consequences for this person."

Ricard said he had spoken to the victim and apologized, without specifying when.

His statement comes after a report last year revealed that 216,000 young people had been sexually abused by Catholic priests since 1950.