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Paedophile priests: Pope Francis set up tribunal | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Pope Francis has approved the creation of a tribunal to hear cases of bishops accused of covering up child abuse by paedophile priests. | |
The unprecedented move followed a recommendation from the Pope's newly-created panel on clerical sex abuse. | |
Victims' groups have long called for the Vatican to do more to make bishops accountable for abuse on their watch. | |
Last year, the UN strongly criticised the Vatican for failing to stamp out child abuse and for allowing cover-ups. | |
A statement from the Vatican said the department would come under the auspices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. | |
Its aim would be "to judge bishops with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors", the statement added. | |
The Vatican panel which recommended the step was created to help dioceses improve abuse prevention measures and help victims. |