Irish prime minister defends Vatican silence on Dublin abuse inquiry

December 02, 2009

Responding to heated public criticism of the Holy See for its failure to answer questions from a commission investigating sexual abuse in the Dublin archdiocese, Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen has come to the defense of the Vatican. The Irish leader said that the Vatican acted in “good faith,” in a matter “consistent with international law,” by insisting that communications should go through normal diplomatic channels. In public remarks to legislators, Cowen said that a formal request for information from the Irish government might produce a different Vatican response, and his government would consider making such as request to follow up on the investigation in Dublin.

 

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Further information:

• Taoiseach defends Vatican’s silence (Irish Independent)
• Cowen defends Vatican’s dealings with commission (Irish Times)