Three men have publicly accused Archbishop Apuron of sexually abusing them when they were altar boys in the 1970s

Francis denounced the abuse of children by priests as “an absolute monstrosity, a horrendous sin, that is radically contrary to all that Christ teaches.”

Author Francesca Chaouqui received a 10-month suspended sentence for conspiring to pass confidential documents onto two journalists.

Between January 1980 and February 2015, 4,444 people made allegations of child sexual abuse that related to more than 1,000 institutions.

Barbara Blaine said her decision to leave the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests had nothing to do with the legal action.

"The church is in a different space," says Archbishop Martin. "We must be more invitational, using a ministry of presence, gently explaining the message of the church and inviting people in."