IRELAND
Vatican Insider
Diarmuid Martin has called for an independent commission to investigate the case of Father Brendan Smyth who abused more than 100 children over 40 years. Top politicians have called for Cardinal Brady’s resignation because of his involvement in this case
Gerard O’Connell
Rome
As the dramatic crisis in the Irish Catholic Church deepened with calls for Cardinal Brady’s resignation over his role in an inquiry into the abuse of children by the notorious pedophile priest – Fr Brendan Smyth, the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin has called for the setting up of “an independent commission of investigation” into the abuse of children by that priest as the best way to arrive at the whole truth.
Archbishop Martin made his proposal when responding to questions from journalists on the crisis after celebrating Mass at St. Francis Xavier church in Dublin, Sunday, May 6. Hours later, a spokesman for Cardinal Brady said he “welcomed and supported” the proposal.
“I really believe that we need an independent Commission of investigation into the activities of Brendan Smyth and how he was allowed to abuse for so many years,” Archbishop Martin stated.
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