The Vatican has published a report about the sex abuse scandal that engulfed the Irish Catholic Church. The investigation was ordered by Pope Benedict XVI two years ago.

It acknowledged “the shortcomings of the past gave rise to an inadequate understanding of and reaction to the terrible phenomenon of the abuse of minors”. It also said substantial progress towards healing had been made and encouraged bishops to continue on this path.

The report called for the development of guidelines that would allow the tackling of cases in which civil authorities decide not to prosecute a priest who has been credibly accused. It also called for the return to active ministry of priests who have been falsely accused.

The report augured a “process of healing, reparation and renewal which Pope Benedict so eagerly desires for the Church in Ireland”.

Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh articulated the sorrow of the Irish bishops for the grave harm the scandal has inflicted on individuals and on the Church.

Groups of abuse victims said the report did not go far enough.

Pope’s April prayer intentions announced

The Pope’s general prayer intentions for April is: “That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow Him in the priesthood and religious life.”

His missionary intention is: “That the Risen Christ may be a sign of certain hope for the men and women of the African continent.”

‘Speak of Christ without fear’

Addressing 5,000 young people from Madrid, Spain, the Pope said: “Christ needs you to build his kingdom of charity. No one is superfluous to such an undertaking.

“Never cease to ask yourselves what the Lord is calling you to do, and how you can help him. Each has a personal vocation which he has given for your own joy and sanctity.

“When a person is conquered by the fire of his gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow him and give him the best of ourselves. This is what the saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord... and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone.”

Religious liberty approved in Mexico

A few days after the Pope ended his visit to Mexico its senate narrowly approved a constitutional provision providing freedom of religion. As a result, restrictions on religious groups to hold services outside of authorised churches without first seeking government permission will be lifted. The senate also included in the Constitution the word “secular” as one of the descriptions of the Mexican state.

The Mexican bishops’ conference welcomed the changes but critics said they would allow for religious education and religious groups owning TV and radio stations.

Archbishop slams ‘useless proclamation’

Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu of Lusaka said the claim that Zambia is a Christian nation is a useless proclamation unless Zambians live in accordance with God’s principles.

“How Christian are we? Just take a look at what happens when we have a simple election: corruption, intimidation, fighting, thieving... Is that Christianity?” he asked. He said that despite an abundance of natural resources, much of the population remains poor because of government mismanagement.

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)