IRELAND
Offaly Express
Published on Wednesday 9 May 2012
ARCHBISHOP Diarmuid Martin’s call for an independent international commission of inquiry into the crimes of the paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth is to be welcomed.
Even in a country jaded by commissions, this is one that is needed. Such a body would be free to address in a comprehensive manner the heinous crimes committed by this man, and the consequent issues the Catholic Church has to face in its handling of the whole abuse scandal.
One of the principal questions that has to be addressed is why this man was allowed to continue in this role for years, a role which afforded him the opportunity to be in the company of children.
At this stage only an outside body will be able to get an answer on this, and determine the truth.
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