Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland

Posted on 24. Mar, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

As you know, Pope Benedict’s Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland was issued recently. I wish to suggest that we read it, discuss its content in groups, in your parishes and neighbourhoods, as we prepare to undertake and respond to its proposals.

In the opening lines Benedict XVI grounds the Letter in his “great concern” for the Church in Ireland. He says that he has been “greatly disturbed” by the abuse of “children and vulnerable young people by members of the Church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious” (no.1). He shares the “dismay and the sense of betrayal” in the face of “these sinful and criminal acts” and also in regard to “the way Church Authorities dealt with them” (no.1). Addressing the victims of abuse and their families, he says : “ you have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have suffered” (no.6).

In order to “recover from this grievous wound” Pope Benedict says that the Church in Ireland “must first acknowledge before the Lord and others the serious sins committed against defenceless children” (no.2). The task we now face in this country “is to address the problem of abuse that has occurred within the Catholic community, and to do so with courage and determination” (no.2).

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us read this Pastoral Letter with a view to renewing our own lives, the life of the Church and the moral fibre of our society. I thank all in our diocese and its parishes who give their time and skills to foster the safeguarding of children. May God strengthen us all to live Christ’s Gospel.

+Noel Treanor 20 March 2010

Downloadable Resources:

Introduction to Pope Benedict's Pastoral Letter (pdf)

Pastoral Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland (pdf)

Pope Benedict's Prayer for the Church in Ireland

The Pope's Words

Extracts from the Pastoral Letter of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the Catholics of Ireland