Shamed former cleric says the church’s response to sexual abuse was inadequate

NORTHERN IRELAND
Sunday World

The response to child sex abuse allegations was totally inadequate and ineffective, the former head of the Catholic church in Ireland has said.

Cardinal Sean Brady said he had been horrified by the unspeakable crimes and hoped a public inquiry would shed light on the church’s dark history.

He said: “You have been tasked with inspecting a dark chapter in our history. But, I am confident that your patient and diligent work will cast a welcome light of truth on this situation and hopefully lead to a better future.”

The 75-year-old, who resigned as head of the Catholic church in Ireland on age grounds last year, was giving evidence to Northern Ireland’s long running Historical Abuse Inquiry (HIA) at Banbridge, Co Down.

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