Vatican may accept U.S. abuse strategy on experimental basis

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican is leaning toward giving the go-ahead to the U.S. bishops' plan to combat sex abuse among clergy, accepting the proposals on an experimental basis, a senior Vatican official said Monday.

Such a move by the Holy See would give Roman Catholic leaders in the United States time to enact their controversial reform policy without making permanent changes in church law.

In recent weeks, there have been a growing number of reports that the Vatican would reject the policy outright, embarrassing American bishops as they struggle to end the molestation crisis.

The policy "would not receive formal Vatican approval, but nor would it be a rejection," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Top Vatican officials have been reviewing the plan since it was adopted at a June meeting of America's bishops, which followed a torrent of abuse claims and reports of bishops covering them up. The Holy See is expected to issue its response to the policy in October, the official said.

There has been growing concern that the policy could not withstand Vatican scrutiny. Some have complained the plan fails to protect the rights of accused clergy.