The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has apologised over revelations that he failed to alert the police about a notorious paedophile priest.
Cardinal Sean Brady was involved in a 1975 meeting where two children abused by Father Brendan Smyth were asked to take a vow of silence as part of an internal church investigation.
Senior clergymen stripped Smyth of some of his priestly functions and he was recommended for psychiatric treatment, but the police were not notified.
Smyth later admitted to sexually attacking about 90 children, was jailed and died in prison in 1997.
Victims who were raped and abused by Smyth after 1975 have said they could be spared their ordeal if the church leaders had notified the police at the first opportunity.
Addressing a congregation in St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Cardinal Brady said:"I want to say to anyone who has been hurt by any failure on my part that I apologise to you with all my heart. I also apologise to all of those who feel I have let them down. Looking back, I'm ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in.
The Cardinal has so far rejected calls for his resignation. He added: "Be certain that I will be reflecting carefully as we enter into Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward described Dr Brady as a "decent and caring man", adding: "I am sure he will reach the right judgment himself."
It somes as Pope Benedict marked the feast of Saint Patrick by announcing on his decision to write a rare Pastoral letter addressing the child sexual abuse crisis that has shaken the Church in Ireland in recent months.
Speaking in English to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square for his general audience, Benedict said that he hoped his imminent letter on the issue will help bring repentance, healing and renewal.
