The Maltese priest who serves at the Vatican as prosecutor in cases of sexual abuse on minors has avoided saying that the Church is currently in crisis over the paedophilia outcry, but says that good will come out of the current situation.

Replying to questions by The Sunday Times, Mgr Charles Scicluna, Promoter of Justice in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said that if crisis means a turning point, then it's welcome.

"Because that means that whatever good comes from this - and good will come from this - is going to change the way we look at certain problems and the way we address them. Crises are also opportunities. And these are very good opportunities for us to grow."

Asked if this issue has affected the morale of the Church - in Rome and beyond, Mgr Scicluna said the current pressure did not help morale.

"But I think Catholics are used to being under pressure and this is another type. However, I find that all this pressure not only humiliates us but purifies our commitment and also gives us a deeper understanding of the virtue of hope - which is about persevering in moments of tribulation"

In the interview, by Steve Mallia, Mgr Scicluna gives an insight into Pope Benedict, with whom he worked closely when the then Cardinal Ratzinger headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

When asked about the view that people in his position have not been willing enough to be convinced of the guilt of fellow priests, Mgr Scicluna said the accusation that it's all in-house was very old and he felt that efforts to render the process more transparent would only help the Church.

"The Church has to be very, very clear on a simple point: that we are interested in the truth because only the truth will set us free. When it comes to minors, the paramount concern is the safety of children in churches and in organisations run by the Church.

The full interview can be seen at:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100411/interview/we-have-to-get-our-act-together