VATICAN CITY
Sky News (United Kingdom)
The Vatican is investigating seven priests from the troubled Legion of Christ religious order for alleged sexual abuse of minors, according to the Associated Press news agency.
All but one case involves alleged abuse dating from decades ago, the Legion said.
Two other priests are also under investigation for alleged sacramental violations, believed to involve using spiritual direction to have inappropriate relations with women.
It is the first time the Vatican is known to have taken action against Legion priests for alleged sexual assault following the scandal of the order’s founder.
The church had previously insisted the crimes of the late Reverend Marcial Maciel were his alone.
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