Top cleric removed as abuse files released

The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, after years of legal battles, has released files of priests accused of molesting children and removed a top clergyman who had been linked to efforts to conceal the abuse.

Archbishop Jose Gomez said he had stripped his predecessor, retired cardinal Roger Mahony, of all public and administrative duties.

Mahony’s former top aide, Thomas Curry, stepped down as bishop of Santa Barbara.