March 20, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Vatican has released a document from their findings on an
apostolic visit to Ireland. It's based on a visit to religious orders and seminaries in four archdioceses in the country.
In the document, “the Holy See reiterates the sense of dismay expressed by Pope Benedict XVI” over the sex abuse scandal in Ireland.
The group also “acknowledged the seriousness of the shortcomings” in handling the cases of abuse. They said there was also “decisive progress” that has led to “greater awareness of the problem”.
The document also calls for the involvement of lay people in the work of prevention and formation and cooperation with civil authorities in reporting accusations.
These guidelines come from a 2008 document called “Safeguarding Children” which will be updated based on the Circular Letter by the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.
The apostolic visitors also made stops at seminaries and religious institutions to examine the training being received. Their aim was to ensure an “authentic priestly identity” in the students at the seminary.
The visit also “recognized the painful events of recent years that opened many wounds in the Catholic community”.
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