Papal Nuncio Recalled over Abuse Scandal, UTV, July 25, 2011

Papal Nuncio Recalled over Abuse Scandal

UTV
July 25, 2011

http://www.u.tv/News/Papal-Nuncio-recalled-over-abuse-scandal/1f306850-8449-4cea-bb97-f3bca7ae1c03

The Pope's ambassador in Ireland has been recalled in the wake of an inquiry into clerical sex abuse within the Catholic Church.

The recent Cloyne report was highly critical of the Church's handling of child abuse claims in the Co Cork diocese.

It revealed that allegations of abuse by priests had been covered up, as recently as 2009.

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, the Pope's envoy in Ireland, has been under severe pressure after the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny accused the Catholic Church of putting its reputation above the protection of children in an unprecedented speech in the Dáil.

It is understood that he is being called to Rome for "consultations" on the report before the Vatican presents a formal response to the government.

Deputy Editor of the Irish Catholic Michael Kelly says it's an unprecedented move.

"It's the first time in modern history that I can recall a Nuncio being called home from any country in these circumstances."

"I think that it is a sign that the Vatican has got how important this issue is in Ireland. How much of a crisis it is."

"The fact that Enda Kenny made a very strong speech in the Dáil, he articulated the frustration felt by a lot of ordinary Catholics" he said.

A Vatican spokesman said the principal aim of the recall was to make it easier for its Secretary of State and other officials to prepare the Holy See's official response to the Irish Government in the wake of the Cloyne report into the mishandling of child sex abuse claims.

"The recall of the Nuncio..... denotes the seriousness of the situation and the Holy See's desire to face it objectively and determinately" said Father Ciro Benedettini.

He added "Nor does it exclude some degree of surprise and disappointment at certain excessive reactions."

"The recall of the Nuncio should be interpreted as an expression of the desire of the Holy See for serious and effective collaboration with the (Irish) Government."

The scathing attack by Mr Kenny has cast doubts over a proposed Papal visit to Ireland next year.

Although no official announcement has been made, Pope Benedict XVI has been expected to celebrate mass in Ireland in June 2012, making it the first such visit to the country in more than 30 years.