VATICAN CITY
AFP
VATICAN CITY — The ultra-conservative Legion of Christ movement on Friday said it had reported seven suspected cases of child abuse by its priests to the Vatican for investigation under new anti-abuse rules.
Six of the cases “are from decades ago” and one “refers to recent events,” the movement said in a statement, adding that it had taken precautions such as “restricting the priestly ministry of the accused” to protect children.
The Legion did not give further details about the cases but said it had received allegations about abuse “in several countries” and that internal preliminary investigations found that seven “had a semblance of truth.”
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said: “The relevant superiors (of the movement) followed the norms in force, signalling to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith some cases that have come to light from decades ago.”
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