Vatican

In 2018, the diocese hired an investigator who had researched allegations of abuse in numerous dioceses and he concluded that the allegations against Hart were credible.

In 2013, Benedict XVI announced that he would become the first pope in 600 years to resign.

Benedict was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

The letter from the Vatican ambassador to the U.S. the says there is no chance for an appeal.

President Joe Biden has received Communion at St. Patrick’s Church in Rome during Saturday Vigil Mass, a day after saying Pope Francis told him he should continue to partake in the sacrament.

Bishop Steven Biegler wrote, "These findings do not equate to innocence; rather, a high burden of proof has not been met."

Experts say the message in a U.S. election year suggests that Francis wants to convey a clear statement about where American Catholics should stand.

Rome has largely been spared Italy's outbreak so far.

With a few exceptions, religious orders have largely flown under the radar in the decades-long scandal.

Beginning in 1989, several men alleged that Bishop Joseph Hart sexually abused them years earlier when he was a priest in Kansas City and they were boys.