The Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has said this has been a tough year for the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Dr Martin said a process of renewal and reform is being undertaken following the handling of clerical child abuse incidents.
He said the cases will always be a part of the Church and "can never be forgotten".
However, Archbishop Martin believes the Catholic Church will regain its standing once there is a rebuilding of confidence.
Dr Martin said: "It's up to the judges to go out and earn the respect that belongs to them, but it won't be handed over on a platter."
Asked if he thought the Church could regain the standing that it had, he replied: "Yes, you have to just commit yourself, it will be very different. We will just wait and see what its like."
Dr Martin said a process of renewal and reform is being undertaken following the handling of clerical child abuse incidents.
He said the cases will always be a part of the Church and "can never be forgotten".
However, Archbishop Martin believes the Catholic Church will regain its standing once there is a rebuilding of confidence.
Dr Martin said: "It's up to the judges to go out and earn the respect that belongs to them, but it won't be handed over on a platter."
Asked if he thought the Church could regain the standing that it had, he replied: "Yes, you have to just commit yourself, it will be very different. We will just wait and see what its like."