Pope Says Sorry For Irish Abuse Scandal
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1:44pm UK, Saturday March 20, 2010
James Jordan and Pete Norman, Sky News Online
Pope Benedict has apologised for the child abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church in Ireland.
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The pontiff’s much-anticipated pastoral letter to the faithful was published by the Vatican ahead of being read to Mass-goers on Sunday.
The 4,465-word release gives an account of the church’s failings and apologises to victims and their families, as well as detailing new structures designed to prevent any repeat.
It comes as embattled Irish primate Cardinal Sean Brady continues to resist calls to resign for his handling of historic abuse allegations that saw victims sign confidentiality deals.
Read the Pope’s letter and apology in full
The cardinal has been under fire for his role in secrecy oaths taken by two victims of notorious paedophile cleric Father Brendan Smyth almost 35 years ago.
The church has also been stunned with disclosures that two other accused priests agreed to pay £45,000 and £12,000 respectively to their alleged victims in out-of-court settlements.
These claims were all the more damaging as the legal deals included confidentiality clauses to which the church of late has publicly stated its opposition.
This week’s fresh scandals come less than a year after state investigations in the Republic of Ireland unearthed a shocking litany of past clerical and institutional abuse against children.
Cardinal Brady relfecting on future
Cardinal Brady announced the Pope’s letter at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.
On Wednesday he said Mass there to celebrate the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, and said he would take a period of time to reflect on his future.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, said the Pope’s letter was a further step in the Church’s renewal and healing process.
“I welcome the Pope’s expression of apology and his recognition of the suffering and betrayal experienced by survivors,” he said.
“The Pope recognises the failures of Church authorities in how they dealt with sinful and criminal acts.”
Meanwhile Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said the Government should consider holding a similar probe north of the border.
The church in Germany is also under pressure for alleged abuse of choirboys, and a class action law suit has now been threatened by victims in Austria.
admin @ March 20, 2010