The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests announced it has filed of formal complaints against several U.S. cardinals, including Cardinal Joseph Tobin, of Newark.

The announcement in front of Seton Hall on Tuesday included more information about the formal complaints against the cardinals, with a focus on Tobin. SNAP says it is concerned due to the role of U.S. Catholic cardinals in the next papal conclave.

According to SNAP, the complaints are urging the Vatican to investigate the cardinals mishandling of abuse cases. The group says Cardinal Tobin played a central role in what they say is the ongoing suppression of results of an abuse investigation commissioned by the university. They say no American cardinal is qualified to lead the Catholic church due to their extensive histories of enabling and covering up clergy sexual abuse.

It's a part of their work called Conclave Watch, an initiative SNAP announced last month while in Rome – a global effort in vetting potential papal candidates based on their handling of clergy sexual abuse and their support for zero tolerance.

"We're trying to give survivors around the world and in the United States a platform for people to speak out…so we can have these conversations now. So we can talk about this before the next pope is elected – before we find out after the fact that that person may have a history of having covered up abuse," said Sarah Pearson, of SNAP.

The group says independent investigations are necessary, highlighting the current work being done by Attorney General Matt Platkin's office. At the time of the news conference, SNAP told News 12 they had not heard back from the Archdiocese of Newark or Cardinal Tobin.

News 12 also reached out to the Archdiocese of Newark and Cardinal Tobin bout the SNAP claims and have not received a response.