Cardinal Brady Denies He Offered to Step down

Irish Independent
May 4, 2012

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/cardinal-brady-denies-he-offered-to-step-down-3100388.html

CARDINAL Sean Brady did not offer to resign when allegations of his role in a secret inquiry into abuse first broke two years ago, the Catholic Church said.

Amid deepening warnings from government circles that the cleric's position is untenable, the cardinal's spokesman denied claims that he wanted to quit over his role in investigations into paedophile Brendan Smyth.

The beleaguered cardinal has vowed to remain on despite revelations in a BBC documentary that he was aware at least five children were victims of Smyth and abuse reports were not passed to police and parents were not informed.

"No such offer of resignation was made," the cardinal's spokesman said.

Martin Long, head of the Catholic communications office in Ireland, said the cardinal had asked Pope Benedict in May 2010 for Episcopal support.

"As stated on 20 March last ... this request for Episcopal help by Cardinal Brady was put on hold pending the outcome of the Apostolic Visitation, but it is has now been reactivated," he said.