Vatican recalls Papal Nuncio to Ireland

Mgr Giuseppe Leanza

The Vatican has recalled the Papal Nuncio in Ireland, Mgr Giuseppe Leanza, following government reactions to the Cloyne Report into the Church's handling of child abuse by priests.

Last week Prime Minister Enda Kenny accused the Church of putting its reputation ahead of child rape victims. On Wednesday he told the Irish parliament the report showed change was urgently needed. "The rape and torture of children were downplayed or 'managed' to uphold instead the primacy of the institution, its power, standing and 'reputation'," he said.

Speaking in County Donegal at the weekend, the prime minster said he had received thousands of messages of support from around the world - many were from the clergy.

He said: "The fact that I have had thousands of messages from around the world speaks for itself about the impact and the way people feel."

Today the Vatican Press Office released a statement announcing that the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, has been recalled to Rome for consultations.

The press release states: “Following the publication on 13 July, of the Irish government’s Commission of Inquiry Report into allegations of abuse of minors by clergy of the diocese of Cloyne, otherwise known as the ‘Cloyne Report’ and, in particular, the reactions that have followed, the Secretary of State has recalled the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, HE Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza for consultations”.

In response to journalists questions, Fr Ciro Benedettini, vice director of the Vatican Press Office outlined the following points:

- The recalling of the Nuncio is intended primarily to allow the Secretary of State and other Dicasteries involved to consult with those working on the ground in order to prepare the official answer of the Holy See to the Irish Government following the Cloyne Report.

- The recalling of the Nuncio, a measure rarely used by the Holy See, denotes the seriousness of the situation, and the desire of the Holy See to deal with it objectivity and with determination, as well as a certain note of surprise and regret regarding some excessive reactions.

- The recalling of the Nuncio should be interpreted in line with the Holy See’s desire for a serious and effective cooperation.

Source: Vatican Radio/VIS