Catholic leader blocks questions over child sexual abuse inquiry

THE POPE’S representative in England and Wales has been criticised by child sexual abuse victims following a “Mafiaesque” blocking of questions during a “meaningless” press conference.

This month the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse concluded that Cardinal Vincent Nichols failed to show “personal responsibility and compassion” for victims, and instead prioritised the reputation of the Church.

It also found that between 1970 and 2015 there were more than 900 complaints about 3,000 instances of child sexual abuse. Since 2016, there have about 100 allegations lodged each year.

Yesterday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales held a press conference call to unveil its safeguarding procedures and ask abuse victims for forgiveness. Cardinal Nichols told the conference that “abuse is a terrible wickedness”, adding: “I am so sorry for all that has happened”.

But he refused to take questions specific to the inquiry’s critical findings, prompting claims from victims that this made any apology “meaningless”.

Alexander Desforges, the cardinal’s press secretary, asked for questions in writing and selected none directly critical of the cardinal, muting any journalist who interrupted the online call.

A survivor of the abuse who gave evidence to the inquiry later said: “It’s

Mafia-esque. It just smacks of what the Church has been found to be doing – protecting its reputation at all costs.”

Mr Desforges claimed all questions had been answered but Richard Scorer, a lawyer for 32 victims, said: “The Cardinal’s attitude seems to be, if he avoids questions this will go away. It won’t.”

Mr Desforges later said: “I am sorry you f eel your question was not answered”, citing reasons of time. He added: “Cardinal Nichols has given substantive answers to questions.”

The damning inquiry report concluded child sexual abuse “was swept under the carpet” and authorities “failed to take action against perpetrators”. Cardinal Nichols said he would continue as Archbishop of Westminster.