File photo of Pope Francis. (Associated Press)
Pope Francis has excommunicated a pedophile Argentine priest, a move greeted by advocates for victims of clerical abuse.
Jose Mercau was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2011 after admitting to sexually abusing four teenagers. He spent 15 days in jail and was then held in a monastery in Buenos Aires province until he was released in March.
The Pope's decision was made public on Wednesday by the bishopric of San Isidro on the outskirts of the Argentine capital.
Many welcomed the news but victims and advocates of clergy sex abuse say the Catholic Church still needs to be more determined, effective and severe when it comes to punishing such crimes in Argentina.