PHOTO: AFP
"The only message I have, without ... taking the place of the Church, of the judges -- because an investigation is underway -- is that he must take responsibility, speak and act," Valls told BFM TV.
Vatican cardinal denies attempts to cover up child sex abuse
Asked whether he meant Cardinal Philippe Barbarin should resign, Valls said: "It is his responsibility, but he must also understand the pain."
"I expect not only words, but acts," the prime minister added.
Barbarin is one of several senior officials being sued for the alleged cover-up.
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He is accused of being aware that priest Bernard Preynat had been sexually abusing young boys between 1986 and 1991.
Preynat was charged in January after victims came forward, and prosecutors say he has admitted wrongdoing.
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