The Catholic Church is being called upon to hold inquiries to fully disclose the details and extent of sexual abuse by priests.
With allegations surfacing in Europe since the start of the year, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, believes that the scandal of abuse in the country’s churches and schools could only be resolved through a full inquiry into all cases.
The Catholic Church in Ireland has been the subject of criticism in two reports detailing endemic abuse throughout its institutions. Cardinal Sean Brady, admitted attending meetings where two children were forced to sign vows of silence over complaints made against Father Brendan Smyth. The Cardinal used his St. Patrick’s day sermon to apologise for his role in the cover up of child abuse.
The Archbishop of Dublin believes that the only way to fully restore public confidence in the church is to hold a national inquiry into historic claims.
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