PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Rhode Island judge has ordered the unsealing of documents related to a disgraced Roman Catholic organization called the Legion of Christ as it faces questions about its relationship to wealthy elderly patrons.
Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein on Wednesday ruled the public should be allowed to scrutinize the documents.
The documents are from a lawsuit filed by a woman contesting the will of a wealthy aunt who left the Legion $60 million. The Legion argued the documents could taint prospective jurors.
The Associated Press and other media organizations sought to have the documents unsealed, arguing they could shed light on the Legion's operations.
The Vatican took over the Legion in 2010 after determining its late founder had molested seminarians and fathered three children by two women.
An attorney for the Legion hasn't returned a phone message seeking comment.
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