Abuse report - Too little and far, far too late

Anyone familiar with the active evil uncovered by investigations into child abuse by Catholic clergy will have looked to yesterday’s publication of a summary of a report prepared by a delegation representing Pope Benedict XVI with some interest.

Committed Catholics may have hoped that it might play a part in rebuilding the Church, that it might move the heartbreaking issue another step towards closure.

Others, especially those abused as children, may have had different hopes. They may still have issues to resolve before closure can even be considered. More, including many disengaged Catholics, will barely look over their shoulder at the report, seeing it as little more than a postcard from a half-forgotten part of their lives.