Benedict to deny abuse case cover-up

Benedict XVI, the pope emeritus, will defend himself in a civil lawsuit launched by a man who accuses the 95-year-old of covering up sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The unnamed man claims he was abused at the age of 12 by Peter Hullermann, a German priest who was allowed to continue to serve in the church by officials including Benedict, even though they knew he was targeting minors. Benedict may supply a written defence rather than give evidence in court, which can require defendants to appear in person.