The Catholic sex abuse scandal spread to Italy today with the bishop of the northern diocese of Bolzano apologising to victims and promising to co-operate with prosecutors.

THE Catholic Church in Germany covered up some of the abuse cases, the bishop appointed to investigate the allegations has admitted.

The Pope was today urged to make a public apology for the church’s years of covering up sexual abuse.

CATHOLIC authorities in Germany announced two major abuse investigations – one into the renowned choir once led by Pope Benedict XVI’s brother and another into what everyone, including the Pope, knew about the sexual and physical abuse of students.