POPE Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Philadelphia archbishop Cardinal Justin Rigali yesterday, sending him into retirement as the archdiocese faces accusations that it covered up a long-running priest sex abuse scandal.

Twenty-one Roman Catholic priests have been suspended by the Philadelphia archdiocese after they were named as child molestation suspects.

Rachel Zoll, Vatican City

Two American cardinals with extensive Vatican experience insisted new Pope Benedict XVI was not the cold disciplinarian many believed him to be.

POPE JOHN PAUL II named 30 new Cardinals on Sunday, including Philadelphia archbishop Justin Rigali, further putting his mark on the group that will name his successor.