Belgian bishop defrocked for abusing nephew

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 21 - An 87-year-old Belgian bishop was defrocked Thursday after admitting abusing his nephew several years in the past.
    The decades-long case of Roger Vangheluwe, found guilty of child sexual abuse, has ended with his resignation from the clerical state.
    Pope Francism a note from the Nunciature in Brussels said, on Thursday himself imposed the sentence on the bishop emeritus of Bruges, who had resigned as head of the diocese in April 2010 after being accused of abuse in the past.
    He himself had admitted, in particular, the abuse of a nephew.
    The crimes he was accused of, however, were statute-barred. The news was reported by Vatican News. (ANSA).