A Catholic group in the United States has launched a petition to keep a retired Los Angeles cardinal caught in a paedophilia scandal, from taking part in the conclave to choose the next pope.
Catholics United is targeting Roger Mahony, who was last month was relieved of all church administrative and public duties for mishandling abuse claims against dozens of priests, dating back to the 1980s.
Mahony, 76, was stripped of his duties by Archbishop Jose Gomez, who took over from him in 2011.
He took part in the conclave that elected Joseph Ratzinger in 2005. Pope Benedict XVI is stepping down on 28 February.
