POPE 'WITH US ON ABUSE REDRESS'

'Every effort' is needed on religious orders compliance, Martin spoke to pontiff about end to Middle East war

- CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent in Rome

THE Taoiseach has asked Pope Leo that “every effort" should be made to get religious orders in Ireland to engage with redress schemes.

Micheal Martin met with the American Pope for the first time yesterday as he was welcomed for a private audience at the Apostolic Palace.

The meeting lasted for 45 minutes, the Middle East War, a possible visit to Ireland and clerical abuse were all discussed.

Speaking afterward, Mr Martin said Pope Leo is “clearly of the disposition” the Catholic Church has to take ownership of clerical abuse.

He added: “He was very clear and frank about the need for the church to take ownership and to be very clear in terms of supporting those who have been traumatised by abuse, as we discussed, that trauma is an enduring thing. It doesn't end when you have an inquiry or when you have acknowledgement.

TRAUMA

“It's something that endures for the lifetime of an individual who has been a victim of such trauma.”

The Government has previously said it is disappointed some religious organisations have offered no contributions to redress schemes.

Mr Martin said he did bring this up with the pontiff, adding: “I asked that every effort would be made to get the religious orders to engage proactively on the matter of redress.