A TOTAL of 35 allegations were levelled against 10 priests in the Dromore diocese since 1975, but none of the priests have ever been convicted.
The review by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NSBCCC) pointed out that of the 10 priests, three were dead while four of the remaining seven were "out of ministry".
A further three "exercise limited ministry under tightly controlled and restricted conditions and never to children or young people".
Bishop John McAreavey has been in place since 1999 and most of the cases of alleged abuse examined were under his leadership.
While it largely praised the work of Bishop McAreavey, the report was critical of the cases handled by his predecessor Francis Brooks.
"We do not intend to dwell on the management practices of the former bishop but it should be noted that, from our review of the case records from that time, we believe that in some instances the practice followed placed too much emphasis on maintaining the good name of the accused priest rather than ensuring the safety of children," said the report.
The NSBCCC also noted that, in the past, not all allegations were promptly referred to the statutory investigating authorities and that in some cases Bishop McAreavey should have reported some cases more promptly.
The report said a theme present in some of the cases examined was strong reliance on legal advice.
It also cited an example where the bishop wanted to notify the police concerning an allegation but was advised that this was not required. After some time, the view of the bishop was acted upon and a referral was made.
However, the report was impressed by the personal interest he has taken in supporting victims and their families.
The NSBCCC also added that it did not believe that there are currently any priests "inappropriately in ministry and against whom a credible allegation has been made".
The report made 12 recommendations on handling abuse allegations and dealing with victims. Bishop McAreavey said he accepted all the recommendations and most were already in place, while others were to be implemented.
Addressing Mass-goers at Newry Cathedral he expressed his sorrow over the abuse of children and the Church’s handling of it.
"In the past generation we have lived through a time when trust between church-goers and church leaders has been badly damaged. The disclosures in report after report that children and young people had been abused in our church and the inadequate response of church leaders have caused deep distress and dismay.
"My thoughts today are particularly with these women and men and again I express to them my deepest sorrow for what they experienced," he said.
Bishop John McAreavey has been in place since 1999 and most of the cases of alleged abuse examined were under his leadership.
While it largely praised the work of Bishop McAreavey, the report was critical of the cases handled by his predecessor Francis Brooks.
"We do not intend to dwell on the management practices of the former bishop but it should be noted that, from our review of the case records from that time, we believe that in some instances the practice followed placed too much emphasis on maintaining the good name of the accused priest rather than ensuring the safety of children," said the report.
The NSBCCC also noted that, in the past, not all allegations were promptly referred to the statutory investigating authorities and that in some cases Bishop McAreavey should have reported some cases more promptly.
The report said a theme present in some of the cases examined was strong reliance on legal advice.
It also cited an example where the bishop wanted to notify the police concerning an allegation but was advised that this was not required. After some time, the view of the bishop was acted upon and a referral was made.
However, the report was impressed by the personal interest he has taken in supporting victims and their families.
The NSBCCC also added that it did not believe that there are currently any priests "inappropriately in ministry and against whom a credible allegation has been made".
The report made 12 recommendations on handling abuse allegations and dealing with victims. Bishop McAreavey said he accepted all the recommendations and most were already in place, while others were to be implemented.
Addressing Mass-goers at Newry Cathedral he expressed his sorrow over the abuse of children and the Church’s handling of it.
"In the past generation we have lived through a time when trust between church-goers and church leaders has been badly damaged. The disclosures in report after report that children and young people had been abused in our church and the inadequate response of church leaders have caused deep distress and dismay.
"My thoughts today are particularly with these women and men and again I express to them my deepest sorrow for what they experienced," he said.