Pope Francis has dismissed Roger Vangheluwe, former bishop of Bruges, following his admission of sexually abusing his nephew.

The Vatican acted upon new evidence leading to a renewed scrutiny of Vangheluwe's case.

Vangheluwe faces prohibitions on exercising his ministry and making public appearances.

The Pope has publicly supported the victims in the wake of the abuse revelations.

A new parliamentary inquiry into the Belgian Church's sexual abuses has intensified pressure on the Vatican and Vangheluwe.

A special commission report has uncovered widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in Belgium.

The Belgian government is moving to revoke Vangheluwe's state-funded salary and retirement benefits.

The Vatican's dismissal of a high-ranking clergy member for pedophilia is a notably rare occurrence.