MEXICO CITY—The Mexican Council of Bishops is asking for forgiveness from victims of sex abuse cases within the Roman Catholic Church, and pledges to cooperate in any investigations.

Bishop Victor Rene Rodriguez says the church did not act quickly enough in the past in dealing with abuse allegations. But he promises church leaders will now do nothing that "go against the interests of the victims."

In a statement released Tuesday, Rodriguez notes the Vatican has issued a guide instructing church authorities to inform police of any sex abuses cases involving priests.

There have been several cases of such abuse in Mexico, including revelations about the Rev. Marcial Maciel, the deceased founder of the Legionaries of Christ.

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