Although the CDF did not have formal responsibility for child abuse cases until 2001, the Murphy case should have been referred to the Congregation because it involved solicitation in the confessional - one of the most serious offences under church law.

BBC: Did the Pope know about US sex abuse?

"I don't think Congressman Condit believes that Larry King Live or Primetime is a church and Larry King or Connie Chung is the priest and this is the place for a confessional, " Lowell said Friday on Larry King Live.

CNN: Paper repeats call for Condit's resignation