Pope OKs resignation of US bishop for not reporting abuse

Bishop Robert Finn, of Kansas City, Mo.

VATICAN CITY  Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a U.S. bishop who pleaded guilty to failing to report a suspected child abuser, answering calls by victims to take action against bishops who cover up for pedophile priests.

The Vatican said Tuesday that Bishop Robert Finn had offered his resignation under the code of canon law that allows bishops to resign early for illness or some "grave" reason that makes them unfit for office. It didn't provide a reason; Finn is 62, some 13 years shy of the normal retirement age of 75.

Finn, who leads the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri, waited six months before notifying police about the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, whose computer contained hundreds of lewd photos of young girls taken in and around churches where he worked. Ratigan was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.  (more...)

Pope OKs resignation of US bishop for not reporting abuse

Not ideal, but an example the British Establishment could learn from:

Victim allegedly abused by Lord Janner breaks silence to say decision not to prosecute 'beggars belief' 

Do 'pervert' MPs enjoy immunity from prosecution?