Ex-church official housed at jail that pope plans to visit
The Pope will visit Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility during his visit to Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
The Philadelphia prison that Pope Francis plans to visit during his U.S. trip houses a former church official jailed for his handling of priest sex-abuse complaints.
Monsignor William Lynn is serving a three-year term for endangering children in the Philadelphia archdiocese.
Lynn is currently 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 picked to meet with him.
Defense lawyer Thomas Bergstrom said Thursday that Lynn would welcome the experience.
The 64-year-old Lynn was 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.
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported that Lynn is at the prison.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.