NEW YORK — Advocates for victims of clergy sex abuse want a Vatican investigation of the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

A group of Roman Catholic priests, nuns and canon lawyers who call themselves the Catholic Whistleblowers say an investigation is needed because Archbishop John Myers has been hostile to victims and has failed to stop predators from molesting children in Newark and in his previous diocese of Peoria, Illinois.

The group wants an inquiry through the new tribunal Pope Francis formed to discipline bishops who don't protect young people.

Myers' spokesman says the archbishop has aggressively confronted abusers and has removed 19 priests from church work in the Newark archdiocese alone.

The plea for the investigation comes as Francis prepares for his first visit to the United States in September.