Pope’s Letter
Extracts from the letter are available from the website of the Episcopal Conference. A summary of the letter is to be found on the Vatican website.
PASTORAL LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE BENEDICT XVI
1. Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Church in Ireland, it is with great concern that I write to you as Pastor of the universal Church. Like yourselves, I have been deeply disturbed by the information which has come to light regarding the abuse of children and vulnerable young people by members of the Church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious. I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal that so many of you have experienced on learning of these sinful and criminal acts and the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them. (more…)