THE Pope's new ambassador to Australia says the Vatican is prepared to co-operate with Australia's child sex abuse inquiries. In the Holy See's first public response to the creation of a federal royal commission, the new papal nuncio, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, offered qualified assistance.
"(We are) ready to respond to any legitimate request which is presented through proper diplomatic channels and respects accepted practice in accordance with the international agreements to which both the Holy See and Commonwealth of Australia are adherents," he told the Herald Sun.
The comments suggest a dramatic departure from attitudes to the scandal engulfing the church worldwide.
But victims are sceptical.
Chrissie Foster, whose late daughters were abused by priests, wrote to the Vatican for help in 1996.
"They are good with words and with talking, but actions speak louder than words and they're not so good with action," Ms Foster said. "This reference to international law sounds like passive resistance to me."
Archbishop Gallagher replaces Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto as Australia's papal ambassador.
Archbishop Lazzarotto refused to assist Ireland's abuse inquiries when he was based there, invoking diplomatic immunity.
The Herald Sun has learned he batted away questions from victims in his time here, too. He wrote to a concerned Melbourne-based parishioner about the abuse two years ago, saying: "This issue falls under the direct pastoral responsibility of the local church and you thus need to deal about it with local authorities."
In response to questions from the Herald Sun, Archbishop Gallagher backed the need for the Victorian and federal abuse inquiries, acknowledging the "pain caused and wrongs committed".
"I think the Vatican shares the view of the Australian bishops that it is necessary to make efforts to grasp the truth so that necessary action can be taken to ensure with confidence that we are doing everything possible to protect the vulnerable and prevent further abuse," he said.
The Catholic Church has long been accused of attempting to cover up abuse.
The Herald Sun this week revealed how paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale was facing pressure to assist the commission when paroled in June.
The Catholic Church has long been accused of attempting to cover up abuse.
It has faced sustained pressure to hand over the secret files it keeps about abuse complaints levelled at priests.
Victoria Police has raised concerns about the church's efforts to hamper their investigations locally.