Retired NY bishop marries after Vatican blocks laicization bid amid abuse lawsuits

Retired Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard, 84, married in a civil ceremony after the Vatican rejected his request to leave the priesthood.
Hubbard's bid to be laicized was denied by the Vatican as the Albany diocese faces lawsuits over childhood sexual abuse.
The current Albany bishop does not consider Hubbard's marriage to be valid under church law.
Hubbard retired in 2014 amid criticism of his handling of abuse allegations during his nearly four-decade tenure.
The bankrupt Albany diocese continues to deal with lawsuits from individuals claiming childhood sexual abuse by priests.