LEO THE LION:
LEO VARADKAR There can only be zero tolerance for the abuse of innocent children
»Varadkar wants ‘truth and healing’
POPE FRANCIS The failure of ecclesiastical authorities is a shame for the Catholic community
Pope calls cleric scandals ‘repugnant’
Speaking at Dublin Castle, the Taoiseach appealed to the pontiff to use his “office and influence” to ensure abuse survivors receive “justice, truth and healing”.
Following a private meeting with the Pope, he took to the lectern and delivered a powerful speech where he blasted the Catholic Church’s failings to protect children who were sexually abused by clerics.
Francis’ response, in which he declined the opportunity to apologise to the victims, was later criticised as an “extraordinary deflection” by abuse survivors.
Abuse survivor and founder of One In Four Colm O’gorman said the Pope’s comments to the Irish people were “a huge insult” after everything that has been uncovered here in relation to clerical abuse.
In his speech to the Pope at the State reception, Mr Varadkar said victims and survivors of clerical abuse had been failed by both Church and State. The Taoiseach said: “It is a history of sorrow and shame. In place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgment, severity and cruelty, in particular, towards women and children and those on the margins.
“Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes, industrial schools, illegal adoptions and clerical child abuse are stains on our State, our society and also the Catholic Church.
“Wounds are still open and there is much to be done to bring about justice and truth and healing for victims and survivors. In recent weeks, we have all listened to heartbreaking stories from Pennsylvania of brutal crimes perpetrated by people within the Catholic Church and then obscured to protect the institution at the expense of innocent victims.
“It is a story all too tragically familiar here in Ireland. There can only be zero tolerance for those who abuse innocent children or who facilitate that abuse. We must now ensure that from words flow actions.”
In private remarks during a one-to-one meeting, Mr Varadkar said there were those who still had faith “in their hearts”, but they were “excluded” from the Church owing to its response to the clerical sex abuse scandals.
He ended on an optimistic note saying he hoped this visit could herald the beginning of a new relationship between the Church and State.
Mr Varadkar added: “Holy Father, I believe the time has now come for us to build a new relationship between Church and State in Ireland – a
»Survivor groups criticise response
new covenant for the 21st century. It is my hope your visit marks the opening of a new chapter in the relationship between Ireland and the Catholic Church.”
In response, Pope Francis acknowledged the clerical sex abuse scandals were “repugnant” and admitted the failure of the Church to address the “repellent crimes” of some clergy.
However, even though he said it was a “source of pain and shame”, there was no direct apology.
The Holy Father added: “I cannot fail to acknowledge the grave scandal caused in Ireland by the abuse of young people by members of the Church charged with responsibility for their protection and education.
“The failure of ecclesiastical authorities – bishops, religious superiors, priests and others – adequately to address these repugnant crimes has rightly given rise to outrage and remains a source of pain and shame for the Catholic community.” These words were criticised by victims’ groups, with Mr O’gorman of Amnesty International, one of the most vociferous in his condemnation. He said: “Pope Francis speaks of the pain and shame of the Catholic community. In doing this, he continues to suggest such shame should be carried by the faithful, by ordinary Catholics.” Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin also found the pontiff lacking, saying he would have preferred “more action instead of words”. The Pope met survivors of clerical abuse for 90 minutes yesterday evening where he reportedly apologised for what had happened in institutions run by religious orders. The Coalition Of Mother And Baby Home Survivors were among those who attended the meeting at the Papal Nuncio’s residence. Paul Redmond, who was born in Castlepollard Mother and Baby Home and adopted at 17 days, said the Pope apologised. Afterwards he said: “We feel hopeful there will be more movement from the church on the issue of mother and baby homes.”