News

Irish abuse victims to ask Vatican for 1 billion euros

February 09, 2010

When the Irish hierarchy meets with Pope Benedict on February 15 and 16, Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, will deliver a letter from representatives for abuse victims asking for one billion euros (approximately $1.37 billion) in compensation. Irish religious orders “paid just €128m of the total compensation bill of €1.2bn” following the Ryan report, notes the Irish Independent.

The victims’ representatives also requested that Pope Benedict meet with abuse victims during his September apostolic journey.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Victims ask Pope for €1bn (Irish Independent)
• Open letter to the Pope (Irish Times)
• Abuse survivors meet bishops (IOL)
• Irish Bishops Meet Representatives of Support Groups for Victims of Abuse (Vatican Radio)
• Irish religious order offers €128 million to abuse victims (CWN, 12/4/09)

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• Posted by: niall - Feb. 10, 2010 4:52 AM ET USA

  Their open letter to Pope Benedict makes me question their idea of justice-"taking responsibility" equates to resignation.They list the bishops who served in the archdiocese during the period investigated,and call for Bishop Drennan to be removed as he has not resigned.The glaring anomaly is that Archbishop Martin also served for at least 18 months of the period investigated,yet no call for his resignation.Nor is there a call for Cardinal Connell to be compelled to speak.A v questionable agenda.

• Posted by: jmoore20082145 - Feb. 09, 2010 5:29 PM ET USA

  Much as I abhor the abuse, I fail to see what money will do for them. Far better to provide psychiatric or psychological treatment, counseling and other therapy. Unfortunately, I become somewhat suspicious of claims for millions, much less billions.....