Pope backs new tribunal to probe bishops over sexual abuse

Pope Francis talks with faithful during his Wednesday general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican June 10, 2015. REUTERS/Tony Gentile

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis approved on Wednesday an unprecedented Vatican tribunal to judge bishops accused of covering up or failing to prevent sexual abuse of minors, but one victims' group branded the move as too little too late.

A statement said the tribunal would come under the auspices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's doctrinal arm, "to judge bishops with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors".