18/03/2010
Pope's Clerical Abuse Letter On Way
Pope Benedict XVI Benedict has announced that he will sign his long awaited pastoral letter dealing with paedophilia in Ireland tomorrow.
The news comes as the Catholic Church is again being rocked by another scandal regarding alleged child abuse.
According to reports, The Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, was involved in a compensation deal to prevent the disclosure of the alleged abuse of an eight-year-old girl.
Dr Hegarty's name is among that of three priests named in a civil settlement, according to a Belfast newspaper.
The alleged abuse took place over a ten-year period from the late 1970s.
The latest revelation comes as the leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, remains under intense pressure regarding his own position.
Even the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness has stepped into the debate as he used his US visit this week to call for Cardinal Sean Brady to quit over the child abuse contoversy.
As a priest in 1975 Cardinal Brady was at meetings where children signed vows of silence over complaints against paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.
The cardinal is under intense pressure: Speaking on St Patrick's Day, he said he wanted to apologise to "all those who feel I have let them down".
Cardinal Brady said: "This week a painful episode from my own past has come before me.
"I want to say to anyone who has been hurt by any failure on my part that I apologise to you with all my heart.
"I also apologise to all those who feel I have let them down.
"Looking back I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in."
(BMcC/GK)
The news comes as the Catholic Church is again being rocked by another scandal regarding alleged child abuse.
According to reports, The Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, was involved in a compensation deal to prevent the disclosure of the alleged abuse of an eight-year-old girl.
Dr Hegarty's name is among that of three priests named in a civil settlement, according to a Belfast newspaper.
The alleged abuse took place over a ten-year period from the late 1970s.
The latest revelation comes as the leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sean Brady, remains under intense pressure regarding his own position.
Even the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness has stepped into the debate as he used his US visit this week to call for Cardinal Sean Brady to quit over the child abuse contoversy.
As a priest in 1975 Cardinal Brady was at meetings where children signed vows of silence over complaints against paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.
The cardinal is under intense pressure: Speaking on St Patrick's Day, he said he wanted to apologise to "all those who feel I have let them down".
Cardinal Brady said: "This week a painful episode from my own past has come before me.
"I want to say to anyone who has been hurt by any failure on my part that I apologise to you with all my heart.
"I also apologise to all those who feel I have let them down.
"Looking back I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 March 2012
Abuse Survivors Meet Cardinal Sean Brady
The Northern Ireland Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse group (Savia) are meeting Catholic primate Cardinal Sean Brady. They are seeking guarantees of his total co-operation with the forthcoming abuse inquiry in Northern Ireland. It is the first time that Cardinal Sean Brady has met the group of survivors.
Abuse Survivors Meet Cardinal Sean Brady
The Northern Ireland Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse group (Savia) are meeting Catholic primate Cardinal Sean Brady. They are seeking guarantees of his total co-operation with the forthcoming abuse inquiry in Northern Ireland. It is the first time that Cardinal Sean Brady has met the group of survivors.
16 March 2010
Cardinal Resists Resign Calls Over Abuse
The Catholic Church in Ireland is facing further pressure today as calls intensify for the church's leader to resign after he admitted knowing about the sexual abuse of two children.
Cardinal Resists Resign Calls Over Abuse
The Catholic Church in Ireland is facing further pressure today as calls intensify for the church's leader to resign after he admitted knowing about the sexual abuse of two children.
15 March 2010
Cardinal Resists Abuse Resignation Call
In a story that continues to haunt the Catholic Church, Primate Cardinal Sean Brady said today that he will only resign if requested to do so by the Pope.
Cardinal Resists Abuse Resignation Call
In a story that continues to haunt the Catholic Church, Primate Cardinal Sean Brady said today that he will only resign if requested to do so by the Pope.
18 January 2013
Cardinal Brady Controversy: Vatican To Appoint Bishop
The controversy surrounding the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, could be about to take a new turn, according to the Irish Catholic newspaper. The paper told the BBC the Vatican is expected to appoint an assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Armagh to work under Cardinal Brady.
Cardinal Brady Controversy: Vatican To Appoint Bishop
The controversy surrounding the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, could be about to take a new turn, according to the Irish Catholic newspaper. The paper told the BBC the Vatican is expected to appoint an assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Armagh to work under Cardinal Brady.
04 January 2010
Cardinal Lying In State
The remains of Cardinal Cahal Daly have been moved to Armagh, where he will lie in state ahead of tomorrow's funeral mass. Cardinal Daly, the former Catholic Primate of All-Ireland, died on Thursday at Belfast City Hospital. Last night his body was carried into St Patrick's Cathedral by six priests from the archdiocese.
Cardinal Lying In State
The remains of Cardinal Cahal Daly have been moved to Armagh, where he will lie in state ahead of tomorrow's funeral mass. Cardinal Daly, the former Catholic Primate of All-Ireland, died on Thursday at Belfast City Hospital. Last night his body was carried into St Patrick's Cathedral by six priests from the archdiocese.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.