Statement of Bishop J Moriarty following Pope Benedict XVI’s Pastoral Letter

20 Mar 2010

PRESS RELEASE
20 March 2010

Statement of Bishop J Moriarty following Pope Benedict XVI’s Pastoral Letter

I welcome and endorse Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter as a significant and personal statement to the Catholics of Ireland.  It is frank and sincere in its import and content.  It indicates the seriousness with which Pope Benedict regards the current crisis and his heartfelt concern for the people of Ireland, particularly those who were abused.
In his letter, the Pope makes an apology to victims; he refers to the need to acknowledge wrongdoing and for abusers to face the requirements of civil justice.  
He notes the failures of bishops in their leadership and urges co-operation with the civil authorities.

Pope Benedict urges honest self-examination by the Catholic Church in Ireland and he appeals for a deep renewal of faith and practice among us all.  

His recommendations for Friday penance, renewal of the sacrament of reconciliation and the practice of Eucharistic adoration are realistic steps that might guide us in our journey of renewal.

I encourage you all to read Pope Benedict’s letter and pray that it will “lead to a rebirth of the Church in Ireland in the fullness of God’s own truth, for it is the truth that sets us free” (cf Jn 8:32).

+Jim Moriarty
Bishop,
Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.
20 March 2010

ENDS

Further information:
Mícheál Murphy (Fr) 086/8244629