VATICAN CITY
Deutsche Welle

Pope Francis has established a new tribunal with powers to judge bishops accused of covering up sexual abuse of minors. The move follows years of criticism that the church has failed to punish the guilty.

A statement from the Vatican said the pope would set up a new department that would examine the cases of bishops accused of covering up or failing to prevent child sex abuse by their priests.

The Vatican said Pope Francis had approved the proposals, aimed at making bishops more accountable, after they were put forward by his sexual abuse advisory board.

The statement said the office would be set up “to judge bishops with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors.”

The unit would be empowered to help prosecutors in criminal cases, the Vatican said.

Church accused of failure

Pope Francis’ decision…