Pope Francis issues rules for ousting bishops who mishandled sex abuse cases

On Saturday, Pope Francis issued a papal decree establishing a legal procedure for removing bishops for negligence, especially regarding child sexual abuse. Bishops can already be ousted for "grave reasons," the pope noted, but the new rules specify that prelates can be sacked for causing "grave harm" to people or communities -- be it physical, moral, financial, or spiritual -- through their actions or inaction. When sex abuse of children or "vulnerable adults" is involved, the negligence need o...