UNITED STATES
New York Daily News
BY GINGER ADAMS OTIS
A new panel created by Pope Francis will speed up appeals from clergy accused of sex crimes and other abuses, the Vatican said Tuesday.
Seven cardinals or bishops will sit on the panel and dedicate themselves to examining cases that normally would go to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Pope Francis wants a faster crackdown on priests who sexually abuse children, according to the Vatican.
Critics say the Catholic Church has moved too slowly in the past to remove or punish pedophile priests.
The new panel will handle all appeals except those of bishops. Those will be assessed by the all the congregation members.
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