Another state has announced a probe into its Catholic dioceses and whether they covered up allegations of clerical sex abuse of minors.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said Wednesday there's an "ongoing investigation" into the issue and has created a 24-7 hotline and website for reporting such abuse.
According to Herring, the move comes after a Pennsylvania grand jury report released earlier this year that outlined decades of alleged abuse by more than 300 priests. It prompted the federal government to get involved, serving subpeonas to Pennsylvania dioceses.
A dozen other states and Washington, D.C. have opened similar investigations into the church's handling of abuse complaints.
In response to the current scandal, Pope Francis has called for a global meeting with Catholic leaders next year to discuss preventing clerical sex abuse.
So far, neither of Virginia's two dioceses have publicly responded to Herring's announcement.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
