Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 369

have exercised vigilance often failed to do so effectively. Indeed, "wounds

have been inflicted on Christ's body".3 For these faults, forgiveness must once

more be asked: from God and from the victims! As Blessed John Paul II said:

« there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would

harm the young ».4

At the same time the Visitators were able to verify that, beginning in the

1990s, progressive steps have been taken towards a greater awareness of how

serious is the problem of abuse, both in the Church and society, and how

necessary it is to find adequate measures in response.

The Visitation was also intended to determine whether the structures and

procedures put in place by the Church in Ireland from that period onwards

are adequate to ensure that the tragedy of the abuse of minors will not be

repeated. In this regard, the Holy See has made the following observations:

1) Particular attention has been given to the assistance offered by the

Church in Ireland to victims of past abuse. All the Visitators acknowledge

that, beginning with the Bishops and Religious Superiors, much attention

and care has been shown to the victims, both in terms of spiritual and

psychological assistance and also from a legal and financial standpoint. It

has been recommended, therefore, that, following the example given by Pope

Benedict XVI in his meetings with victims of abuse, the Irish diocesan

authorities and those of the Religious Institutes continue to devote much

time listening to and receiving victims, providing support for them and their

families.

2) Their meetings with the victims of abuse helped the Visitators to

understand better various aspects of the problem of the sexual abuse of

minors that took place in Ireland. The Visitators and the Church in Ireland

are thankful for this contribution and want to assure them that their

well-being is of paramount concern for the Church.

3) In their meetings with the chief officers of the National Board for

Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church and various diocesan officials,

the Visitators were able to verify that the current norms of Safeguarding

Children: Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland

3 Pastoral Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland,

19 March 2010. 4 Address to the Cardinals of the United States, 23 April 2002.