THE Pope has said he was deeply disturbed and distressed by the findings of a sickening child sex abuse inquiry and plans to write a letter to the Catholics of Ireland. After meeting Ireland’s most senior Catholic clerics in Rome, Pope Benedict said he shared the outrage, betrayal and shame felt by so many of the faithful in the country.
In a statement issued by the Vatican, the Pontiff said he discussed the harrowing detail and cover-up of allegations against priests in the Dublin Archdiocese as detailed in the inquiry report with Cardinal Seán Brady and Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
"The Holy Father was deeply disturbed and distressed by its contents," it said. "He wishes once more to express his profound regret at the actions of some members of the clergy who have betrayed their solemn promises to God, as well as the trust placed in them by the victims and their families and by society at large."
The Vatican said the Holy Father shared the outrage, betrayal and shame felt by so many of the faithful in Ireland and that he was united with them in prayer at this difficult time in the life of the Church.
"His Holiness asks Catholics in Ireland and throughout the world to join him in praying for the victims, their families and all those affected by these heinous crimes," it said.
"He assures all concerned the Church will continue to follow this grave matter with the closest attention in order to understand better how these shameful events came to pass and how best to develop effective and secure strategies to prevent any recurrence."
The Murphy Report detailed allegations against a sample 46 priests who served in Dublin between 1975 and 2004 and found several bishops, including the Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray, who acted inexcusably in one case, mishandled complaints against priests.
Meanwhile two others, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Eamon Walsh and Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan, have insisted they have done nothing wrong.
A Vatican spokesman said the Holy See took the central issues raised by the report very seriously, including questions concerning the governance of local Church leaders with ultimate responsibility for the pastoral care of children.
"The Holy Father intends to address a pastoral letter to the faithful of Ireland in which he will clearly indicate the initiatives that are to be taken in response to the situation," he said.
"His Holiness encourages all those who have dedicated their lives in generous service to children to persevere in their good works in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd."
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