VATICAN CITY (AP) — The author of the bombshell accusation that Pope Francis covered up sex abuse broke his silence Wednesday and insisted he didn’t act out of revenge or anger but out of love for the Catholic Church.

In comments carried on the blog of Italian journalist Aldo Maria Valli, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano said he was “serene and at peace” after publishing his declaration, albeit saddened by subsequent attempts to undermine his credibility. “I spoke out because by now the corruption has arrived at the top of the church hierarchy,” Vigano was quoted as saying. Valli, a Vatican expert with state-run RAI television, has said that Vigano twice came to his home to consult with him in the weeks leading up to publication of his bombshell. Another conservative Italian journalist, Marco Tosatti, actually helped Vigano rewrite and edit the 11-page document, and arranged for its publication in Italian, English and Spanish-language media.