The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York decided to hire a former federal judge to review its policies, protocols, and procedures regarding child sexual abuse allegations against priest.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York announced the action after the Catholic church went through what he described as “the summer of hell” due to child sexual abuse scandals.

Last month, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a grand jury report on the widespread child sexual abuse by predator priests. Over 1,000 children were sexually abused by 301 priests in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania over the past decades, according to the report.

The report prompted New York Attorney General to open an investigation into Catholic dioceses in the state over allegations of clergy sexual abuse of minors. Other state attorneys general are also conducting an investigation into the matter.

On Thursday, Dolan said former federal judge and prosecutor Barbara S. Jones agreed to serve as “Special Counsel and Independent Reviewer.” She will be responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and recommending improvements to the Archdiocese of New York’s response to allegations of clergy sexual abuse.

New York Catholics demanded “accountability, transparency and action

During a press conference, Dolan said, “Many of our people and priests are calling it the “Summer of hell” for our Catholic family: we had the scandal of Theodore McCarrick; then came the nauseating detail of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury of horrific abuse of minors by priests in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s; then the controversy around the Archbishop Vigano letter.”

Last month, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, accused Pope Francis and several prelates of covering up sexual abuse allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

Dolan went on to say, “This has all left our people bewildered, frustrated, and angry; our good and faithful priests demoralized; and us bishops somber and contrite.”

Furthermore, Dolan said he ordered an independent review because Catholics in New York pleaded for “accountability, transparency, and action.”

As Special Counsel and Independent Reviewer, Jones will have complete access to the Archdiocese of New York’s records, personnel, and to Dolan himself.

In a statement, Jones said, “I approach this important assignment with an open mind and a clear understanding of the scope and scale of the issues that challenge the Archdiocese.”

In addition,” Jones said she already started reviewing the efforts of the Archdiocese. She found that it has a “robust infrastructure in place.”

“My job now will be to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing programs and policies in that infrastructure –– identify deficiencies – and recommend enhancements or new policies and procedures,” said Jones.