Vatican: Investigation of clergy sex abuse in Ireland to include meetings with victims

Vatican: Ireland abuse probe to meet with victims

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says its investigation of sexual abuse by clergy throughout Ireland will include meetings with victims and families.

Pope Benedict XVI earlier this year named nine top prelates to start the investigation this fall.

The Holy See said in a statement that a preparatory meeting was held Tuesday in Rome with Vatican officials and the investigators, including Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, who will examine Dublin’s archdiocese. Ireland’s top archbishops were among those celebrating Mass Wednesday before discussion about what it called “the tragic abuse of children.”

The Vatican says it is hoping for healing in the Irish church and regained trust by the faithful.