Vatican City, June 11 (RHC)-- Pope Francis has authorized a new Vatican panel to judge bishops accused of concealing or not preventing child sexual abuse within the Church.

A Vatican spokesperson unveiled the new mandate. Father Federico Lombardi told reporters: "The thing that is new is that a specific procedure is now indicated for these questions that may have to do with a bishop’s abuse of office. This certainly was not before, an ordinary and clear path. This is the real new aspect."

The tribunal’s establishment marks Pope Francis’ most forceful action to date in confronting child sexual abuse by clergy, and meets a key demand sought for years by victims and advocates.