Saying sorry it happened, sorry you were hurt, does not cut it any more. When Pope Francis comes to Ireland in two weeks’ time it will be 39 years since the last visit by a head of the Catholic Church. Since then the status of the church in Ireland has declined dramatically.
Those identifying as Catholic are down by 20 per cent, according to the last census. Mass attendance has fallen away, seminaries and religious houses have closed, and parishes are now often run by a single priest.
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/pope-must-admit-vatican-disregard-for-abused-on-irish-visit-1.3587800
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/pope-must-admit-vatican-disregard-for-abused-on-irish-visit-1.3587800