Vatican to hear sexual abuse appeals

A New Vatican commission will hear appeals from priests, bishops and other clergy members who have been accused of sexual abuse.

The seven-member college will be comprised of Bishops appointed by Pope Francis, according to an order from the Vatican released Tuesday. The judicial body will operate under the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and will allow clergymen accused of delicta graviora, or grave offenses involving the sacraments, to defend themselves against these claims. Cases involving high ranking Church officials such as bishops and cardinals will be heard by the entire Vatican congregation in addition to those serving on the college.