In The Days

• Source: Bloomberg
• News Date: 12/12/09
• Author: Louisa Fahy

Pope Benedict XVI was “deeply disturbed and distressed” by a report that said Roman Catholic Church authorities covered up abuse of children by priests in Ireland and he plans to write a letter to the Irish people.

False Prophets

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
—Matthew 24:4-5

“And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.”
—Jeremiah. 9:5

Iniquity Abounding

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
—Romans 1:32

Editors note about Romans 1:32•FYI: The Roman priest read the Roman Catholic version of the Scriptures, “The Douay” which changes the meaning of the verse by adding to God’s Word. This change enables the reader to say that the Holy Spirit never personally gave them the understanding that their actions were evil. Compare the verse with the KJV,
“Who, having known the justice of God, did not understand that they who do such things, are worthy of death: and not only they that do them, but they also that consent to them that do them.” Romans 1:32 Douay

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,”
—Matthew 18:2

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
—Matthew 18:6

The pope shares the “outrage, betrayal and shame” felt by people after the publication of the report and takes the issues raised very seriously, the Vatican said in a statement today.

The report, the second this year to document abuse of children by clerics in Ireland, said senior clergy moved priests to a different location when told of allegations. It examined how the church handled claims of sex abuse against a sample of 46 priests in the Dublin diocese between 1975 and 2004.

“The church will continue to follow this grave matter with the closest attention in order to understand better how these shameful events came to pass and how best to develop effective and secure strategies to prevent any recurrence,” the Vatican said in the statement.

The pope plans to write a pastoral letter indicating what action will be taken in response to the situation, it said.

For Related News and Information: Top U.K. and Ireland stories: TOPB Vatican news: NI VATICAN