Vatican 'ashamed' of dublin clerical sex abuse findings

The Pope's Ambassador to Ireland today said the Vatican was ashamed by the devastating findings of a damning inquiry into clerical sex abuse in Dublin.

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza expressed his shock and dismay at the Murphy Report into paedophile priests and church cover-ups in the Archdiocese.

"We feel ashamed about what happened, I feel really I must express again my shock, my dismay," the senior clergyman said.

"I understand the anger of the people and the sufferings of those who have been abused. We totally condemn this."

The Catholic Church has been under severe criticisms after the inquiry revealed Vatican officials refused to deal directly with investigators, suggesting they should use official diplomatic channels.

Archbishop Leanza said: "If there was any mistake from our side, we also apologise for this.

"But certainly there was no intention not to co-operate with, not to give co-operation to the Commission."