The judge held that Merrill's mistake was a mere bookkeeping error and waived the 60-day rule, essentially creating an exception for clerical mistakes.

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Cardinal Mahony has publicly apologised for mistakes he made handling the clerical sex abuse issue.

BBC: LA Cardinal Mahony 'stripped of duties' over sex abuse

Prominent priests have spoken of their hope that he can deal with the terrible mistakes of the past - a reference to the clerical abuse and cover-up that has blighted the country.

BBC: Pope Francis: UK and Irish Catholics welcome new pope