"Outrage, Betrayal and Shame": B16's Murphy Response

Within the hour, the Holy See released the following statement on this morning's roundtable meeting to discuss the recent Murphy Report on clergy sex-abuse in the archdiocese of Dublin:

Today the Holy Father held a meeting with senior Irish Bishops and high-ranking members of the Roman Curia. He listened to their concerns and discussed with them the traumatic events that were presented in the Irish Commission of Investigation’s Report into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin.

After careful study of the Report, the Holy Father was deeply disturbed and distressed by its contents. He wishes once more to express his profound regret at the actions of some members of the clergy who have betrayed their solemn promises to God, as well as the trust placed in them by the victims and their families, and by society at large.

The Holy Father shares the outrage, betrayal and shame felt by so many of the faithful in Ireland, and he is united with them in prayer at this difficult time in the life of the Church.

His Holiness asks Catholics in Ireland and throughout the world to join him in praying for the victims, their families and all those affected by these heinous crimes.

He assures all concerned that the Church will continue to follow this grave matter with the closest attention in order to understand better how these shameful events came to pass and how best to develop effective and secure strategies to prevent any recurrence.

The Holy See takes very seriously the central issues raised by the Report, including questions concerning the governance of local Church leaders with ultimate responsibility for the pastoral care of children.

The Holy Father intends to address a Pastoral Letter to the faithful of Ireland in which he will clearly indicate the initiatives that are to be taken in response to the situation.

Finally, His Holiness encourages all those who have dedicated their lives in generous service to children to persevere in their good works in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd.

According to the Irish Times, present for the 90-minute session alongside the pontiff, Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh and Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin (above right and left) were five top Curial cardinals: the Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone SDB, and the prefects of the Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith, William Levada, Giovanni Battista Re of Bishops, Claudio Hummes OFM of Clergy, Franc Rodé CM of CICLSAL, the "Congregation for Religious," and the nuncio to Dublin, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza.

Just prior to the statement's release, word from Ireland likewise came that one of the Isle's many priests in mission work around the globe had been murdered in Kenya during a robbery of his home there.

A native of west Limerick and member of the St Patrick's Missionary Society -- the Kiltegan Fathers -- 68 year-old Fr Jeremiah Roche had been serving in east Africa for over four decades.

PHOTOS: Reuters

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