The Vatican has confirmed that Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe
Leanza has been recalled to Rome for consultations on the Cloyne report.
A statement highlights the reactions that have followed the
publication of the report - a veiled reference to the Taoiseach's
unprecedented attack on the Holy See for allegedly undermining the Irish
bishops' mandatory reporting policy regarding clerical child sexual
abuse.
Monday morning's announcement marks the plummeting to their lowest ebb of Irish-Holy See relations.
A recall is diplomatic-speak for 'showing displeasure' with some act
of the receiving State - in this case Ireland - and indicates a sharp
cooling in relations.
A Vatican spokesperson said the recalling 'denotes the seriousness of
the situation... as well as a certain note of surprise and regret
regarding some excessive reactions.'
The unusual step of recalling Archbishop Leanza follows the Government's angry reaction to the publication of Judge Yvonne Murphy's findings that
the Vatican undermined the Irish bishop's policy of informing gardaí
and health authorities of all allegations of clerical child sexual
abuse.
The judge said that when the Vatican described the Irish bishops'
1996 guidelines as 'merely a study document', it 'comforted and
supported' senior clerics in the Co Cork diocese who dissented from
their bishops' collective policy.
Following the publication of the report, Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs
Minister Eamon Gilmore summoned Archbishop Leanze to the Department of
Foreign Affairs for an explanation.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny last week strongly criticised the Vatican
for what he said was an attempt to frustrate the Cloyne inquiry,
accusing it of downplaying the rape of children to protect its power and
reputation.
He said the Church's inability to deal with the abuse cases showed a
culture of 'dysfunction, disconnection, elitism and narcissism' at the
Vatican.
Never before had a Taoiseach used such language in criticising the Catholic Church.
It is not known for how long Archbishop Leanza will remain in Rome.
Minister Gilmore said the 'decision to recall the Papal Nuncio to the Vatican for consultations is a matter for the Holy See.'
'The Government is awaiting the response of the Holy See to the
recent report into the Catholic Diocese of Cloyne and it is to be
expected that the Vatican would wish to consult in depth with the Nuncio
on its response,' he added.
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said it was
appropriate that the Papal Nuncio was available to his diplomatic bosses
for in-depth discussions to reflect on the appropriate role for a
Vatican ambassador in Ireland.
Ms Burton said it was very welcome that there was to be a deep reflection in the Vatican into the Cloyne and other reports.
Papal Nuncio should be 'expelled' - SNAP
The Pope's representative in Ireland should be expelled, not recalled, according to a US organisation for abuse survivors.
In a statement, 'SNAP', the Survivors Network of those Abused by
Priests, says Pope Benedict XVI should not respond to the Cloyne Report
until he is ready to announce specific, proven prevention steps to
better protect children.
It says an 'official response' consisting of just words would only add insult to injury.
Barbara Dorris, SNAP's Outreach Director, accused Archbishop Giuseppe
Leanza of refusing to co-operate with the Murphy Commission's Inquiry
into the Archdiocese of Dublin which reported in 2009.
She said that instead of co-operating with its investigation into
clerical sex crimes and cover- ups, the Nuncio had hidden behind the
technicalities of formal diplomatic procedures.
Ms Dorris criticised him
for acting irresponsibly by failing to put the safety of children
first.
She said Archbishop Leanza had still not adequately explained or been
held responsible for what she called his callous actions which her
network suspected were dictated by his supervisors at the Vatican.
She concluded by accusing the Catholic hierarchy of ignoring,
minimising and concealing horrific crimes against children for
centuries, and of continuing to do so now.
Ms Dorris said the church's leaders already know what to do and that
they do not need months, weeks or even days to take appropriate action.