Pope’s belated apology to Ferns sex abuse victims

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has welcomed Pope Benedict’s comments on child sex abuse by priests in the Diocese of Ferns despite the reservations of child protection campaigners about the timing and content of the Vatican’s response.

Speaking while visiting the Co Wexford diocese yesterday, Mr Ahern said he hoped the Pope’s remarks, in which he said he regretted the hurt caused to victims, would assist those who had suffered abuse.

“He said the anguish caused to the church and the victims was something deeply upsetting to him,” said Mr Ahern. “Hopefully these words will be of some considerable help.”