Pope Francis is to create a tribunal to hear cases of bishops accused of covering up child abuse by priests.

The Vatican said the Pope approved proposals made by his sexual abuse advisory board.

The proposals were contained in a report from Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, presented to the Council of Cardinals.

For each proposal, the report indicated general terms - as well as the advantages of these proposals, compared with other possible solutions.

A special new judicial section will be created inside the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith "to judge bishops with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors", the Vatican said in a statement.

The Pope is also to appoint a secretary to assist the Prefect with the tribunal.

"The Secretary will have responsibility for the new judicial section and the personnel of the section will also be available to the Prefect for penal processes regarding the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults by clergy," the Vatican said.

The text concludes with a list of five specific proposals made to the Pope.

It finds that there is the duty to report all complaints to the appropriate Congregation.

It also outlines plans to establish a five-year period for further development of the proposals.

The Council of Cardinals agreed unanimously and they were submitted to Pope Francis.

These have now been approved and the Vatican adds "resources will be provided for this purpose."