The claims were made by retired Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, formerly the Vatican’s ambassador to the US, via an 11-page testimony.
He claims that following abuse allegations in the late 2000s Pope Benedict XVI: “Imposed on Cardinal McCarrmick sanctions similar to those now imposed on him by Pope Francis.”
These allegedly included not being allowed to say Mass in public, or travel outside the seminary in which he was living.
Mr Vigano states he personally informed the future Pope Francis about the allegations, but no action was taken.
According to his account he told Pope Francis: “I don’t know if you know Cardinal McCormick, but if you ask the Congregation of Bishops there is a dossier this thick about him.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
“He corrupted generations of priests and Pope Benedict ordered him to withdraw to a life of prayer and penance.”
However according to Mr Vigano Pope Francis “continued to cover” for Mr McCormick and later appointed him as “his trusted counsellor” despite the restrictions placed on him by Pope Benedict.
Mr Vilano added that Pope Francis should resign.
He said: “He must acknowledge his mistakes.
“Pope Francis must be the first to set a good example to Cardinals and Bishops who covered up McCormick’s abuse and resign along with all of them.
“He must honestly state when he first learned about the crimes committed by McCormick.
“In any case the Pope learned about it from me on June 23 2013 and continued to cover him.”
Allegations emerged last month that Mr McCarrick had abused an alter boy and seminary students, and he resigned from his post.
However he continued to protest his innocence.
Before the latest allegations Pope Francis spoke about allegations of sex abuse within the Catholic church in Dublin on Saturday.
He stated: “The failure of ecclesiastical authorities…to adequately address these repugnant crimes has rightly given rise to outrage, and remains a source of pain and shame for the Catholic community.”