Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 707

principles of justice are fully respected and, above all, to bring healing to the

victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes."

The publication of the Cloyne Report marks a further stage in the long and

difficult path of ascertaining the truth, of penance and purification, and of

healing and renewal of the Church in Ireland. The Holy See does not consider

itself extraneous to this process but shares in it in a spirit of solidarity and

commitment.

In a spirit of humility, the Holy See, while rejecting unfounded accusa-

tions, welcomes all objective and helpful observations and suggestions to

combat with determination the appalling crime of sexual abuse of minors.

The Holy See wishes to state once again that it shares the deep concern and

anxiety expressed by the Irish authorities, by Irish citizens in general and by

the Bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful of Ireland with regard to the

criminal and sinful acts of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and religious.

It also recognizes the understandable anger, disappointment and sense of

betrayal of those affected - particularly the victims and their families -

by these vile and deplorable acts and by the way in which they were some-

times handled by Church authorities, and for all of this it wishes to reiterate

its sorrow for what happened. It is confident that the measures which the

Church has introduced in recent years at a universal level, as well as in

Ireland, will prove more effective in preventing the recurrence of these acts

and will contribute to the healing of those who suffered abuse and to the

restoration of mutual confidence and collaboration between Church and

State authorities, which is essential for the effective combating of the scourge

of abuse. Naturally, the Holy See is well aware that the painful situation to

which the episodes of abuse have given rise cannot be resolved swiftly or

easily, and that although much progress has been made, much remains to

be done.

Since the early days of the Irish State and especially since the establish-

ment of diplomatic relations in 1929, the Holy See has always respected

Ireland's sovereignty, has maintained cordial and friendly relations with

the country and its authorities, has frequently expressed its admiration for

the exceptional contribution of Irish men and women to the Church's mission

and to the betterment of peoples throughout the world, and has been unfail-

ing in its support of all efforts to promote peace on the island during the