The Catholic Church in Chile apologised yesterday for sexual abuse by paedophile priests in the country, taking the blame for a lack of diligence in investigating victim complaints.

“We humbly offer our apology, and any support we can give them (victims) in addition to our prayers,” the Chilean Episcopal Conference said in a statement.

“We recognise that we have not always responded promptly and effectively to complaints. We express our solidarity with the victims of these abuses and their families, and we make their sufferings ours.”

The statement was the first formal apology by the church in Chile, although there have been previous individual expressions of contrition by church leaders.

It comes amid a furore over allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priest Fernando Karadina, among the most influential priests in the country, and Sister Paula, the former mother superior of the Ursulinas sisterhood.

Fr Karadina, 80, is suspected of abusing minors over some 20 years when he was in charge of an upscale Santiago parish.

The Vatican earlier this year found him guilty of sexually abusing children and sentenced him to a life of prayer and penitence, but a case against Karadina was re-opened.

An inquiry was launched last year after allegations by five adults who were members of the Chilean church set up by Fr Karadina.