Updated: The Los Angeles Times has a more extensive story.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
Federal authorities are investigating the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to see whether top church officials tried to cover up the sexual abuse of minors by priests, said a person familiar with the matter.
A federal grand jury has issued subpoenas and begun calling witnesses in the probe, which began late last year, said this person. The investigation is still in its early, fact-gathering stage, and it isn’t known whether any criminal charges will result.
Addendum. NYT has more, including reaction from the diocese and Cardinal Mahony.