Scottish Catholic Observer

“It has affected every one of us. Despite political difference or other differences, this is a tragedy.”

THAT was the message from Bishop Bernt Ivar Eidsvig of Oslo as the full horror of the extremist attacks on Norwegian soil came to light this week. Without detracting in any way from the Scandinavian tragedy, which prompted Pope Benedict XVI to make a grief-stricken appeal for mankind to forever abandon the way of hatred and to flee from the logic of evil, Bishop Eidsvig’s words encapsulate a call for unity when faced with horror that is also appropriate for another of Scotland’s neighbours who is struggling with internal strife: Ireland.

On Monday the Vatican Press Office released a statement announcing that the Apostolic nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, has been recalled to Rome in the aftermath of the Cloyne Report.

Fr Ciro Benedettini, vice director of the Vatican Press Office, said: “The recalling of the nuncio, a measure rarely used by the Holy See, denotes the seriousness of the situation, and the desire of the Holy See to deal with it objectivity and with determination, as well as a certain note of surprise and regret regarding some excessive reactions.”

The moves follows Taoiseach Enda Kenny unprecedented criticism of the Church’s handing of clerical abuse in which he alleged ‘for the first time in Ireland, a report into child sexual abuse exposes an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry.’

Fr Frederico Lombardi, director of the Holy See’s press office, said Mr Kenny’s claim went further than the report findings. The Vatican has yet to officially respond to the report, however, but before the relationship between incumbent Irish politicians and the Holy See becomes further strained, perhaps it is time to reflect.

“It has affected every one of us. Despite political difference or other differences, this is a tragedy.”