AUSTRALIA
Daily Mail
By TANG LI FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA and AAP
A long-time Victorian Catholic bishop has apologised for moving pedophile priests among parishes to avoid scandalising the church.
In his apology, he said he’s sorry and regrets not doing his job very well in handling pedophilia in the Ballarat diocese.
But retired bishop Ronald Mulkearns, 85, denies trying to cover up widespread child sex abuse.
Bishop Mulkearns knew about pedophile priests whom he sent for treatment and moved among parishes, the child abuse royal commission has heard.
The 1971-97 Ballarat bishop admitted he wanted to protect the reputation of the church but told the inquiry he was trying to stop further offending.
Counsel assisting the commission Gail Furness SC said Bishop Mulkearns covered up the conduct of pedophile priests.
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