Scottish Catholic Observer

THE Papal nuncio to Ireland is preparing to deliver a strong response to the Cloyne Report in the next few weeks, in answer to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s accusation the Vatican undermined child protection guidelines.

While the Vatican’s response was expected by the end of August, sources in Rome have suggested the reply may be sent before Pope Benedict XVI travels to Madrid for the World Youth Day celebrations, which run from August 16 to 23.

And, although he has been given a new assignment to the Czech Republic, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza is expected to present the Vatican’s response to Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore.

Vatican response

The news of the Vatican’s response follows a difficult period in Irish/Vatican relations after the release of the reports into the church’s handing of clerical abuse in Cloyne Diocese sparked an unprecedented attack by Mr Kenny on the Vatican and calls for the expulsion of the Apostolic nuncio.

The Vatican reply was initially scheduled for delivery this week but in the wake of the Taoiseach’s criticism and the recall to Rome of the Papal nuncio in Ireland, the Holy See decided more time was needed and a date before the end of the month was agreed.

In its response to the aftermath of the Cloyne Report the Vatican is expected to point out the weakness of Irish state monitoring of child abuse. And it will highlight that the Taoiseach’s comments failed to recognise the efforts of Pope Benedict XVI to ensure bishops comply with national laws.

The Irish Government will also be told that the seal of Confession is sacrosanct.

Local feeling

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam said last weekend that the clergy were as ‘angered and appalled’ as anyone by how the Church in Ireland has handled child sex abuse claims.

During the annual ‘Reek Sunday’ Mass on top of Croagh Patrick, County Mayo, he addressed the issues raised by the Cloyne Report and the reaction to it, and said that it was ‘understandable’ that practicing Catholics might feel discouraged recent events. However, the archbishop said that the annual Croagh Patrick mountain climb, traditionally performed by pilgrims in bare feet or on their knees, was a ‘very penitential exercise.’