Some have read the President of Ireland's recent comments on the Vatican and the abuse scandal as an attack on the Roman Catholic Church. But in reality, says Savi Hensman, it reflects divisions within the church, bringing not only judgement but also the hope of renewal. It can also challenge Christians of all traditions to think more deeply about the responsibilities of the laity.

A question asked in the Irish parliament reveals that the Catholic Church has paid only a fraction of the compensation promised to victims of clerical abuse.

Catholic Bishops in Ireland are among a whole range of church and community leaders on both sides of the border who have welcomed the outcome of the Savile Enquiry on 'Bloody Sunday'.

In a pastoral letter to Irish Roman Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI has told them that he shares their “dismay and sense of betrayal” over the sexual abuse of children and young people by priests.