Vatican admits 'grave failures' over Ireland abuse scandal

The Vatican today acknowledged "grave failures" over the handling of child abuse by priests in Ireland as it expressed deep concern at the findings of an official report.

"The Holy See is deeply concerned at the findings of the commission of inquiry concerning grave failures in the ecclesiastical governance of the diocese of Cloyne," said a Vatican statement.

The Vatican also denied that it had tried to impede the investigations.

"The Holy See wishes to make it quite clear that it in no way hampered or sought to interfere in any inquiry into child sexual abuse in the diocese of Cloyne," said a Vatican statement.