Pope begins talks with Irish bishops over sex scandal
By DPA, IANSMonday, February 15, 2010
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI began talks Monday with a delegation of Irish bishops summoned to the Vatican to discuss a child sex abuse scandal which has shaken the Catholic Church in Ireland.
The talks which are scheduled to end Tuesday, stem from a November report on abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese which heavily criticized the Irish church’s dealing with priests suspected of being child abusers from 1975 to 2004.
Four Irish bishops have already resigned as a consequence of the Murphy Commission’s revelations.
The report details a litany of abuse perpetrated by priests against more than 300 victims.
Representatives of the victims have reportedly asked Benedict for over $1.37 billion in compensation.
The request is contained in a letter that the head of Ireland’s Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, is expected to deliver to the pontiff during this week’s talks.
The letter also requests a meeting with Benedict during his forthcoming visit to Britain, expected to take place in September.
