Dutch religious leaders have ordered an inquiry into alleged sexual abuses of children by Roman Catholic priests.Earlier, the Vatican defended its response to allegations of child sex abuse against Catholic clergy, saying it reacted rapidly and decisively.
In the latest revelations, an Austrian monastery head offered to resign for abusing a boy more than 40 years ago.
Separately, Pope Benedict's brother said in an interview he slapped pupils in the face at a German choir school.
Apology
The Dutch investigation will be opened "as soon as possible", it was announced after Dutch bishops met to discuss abuse claims by about 200 alleged victims, some from several decades ago.
The Dutch Catholic Church offered its apologies to the victims: "To the victims of abuse in Catholic boarding schools, the religious leaders and bishops offer their deep-felt condolences and apologies," a statement said.
Allegations first centred on a school in the eastern Netherlands, with people saying they were abused by Catholic priests, which prompted dozens more alleged victims from other institutions to come forward in recent days.
The German, Austrian and US churches have all been damaged by sexual abuse scandals, and suggestions that senior clergy covered up what was happening.
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SIC: BBC