Ex-Irish president: Vatican sought deal to keep church archives closed

Source: The Guardian

Mary McAleese says approach came while inquiries into child abuse involving Catholic church were under way

A mass grave for children who died in the Tuam mother and baby home, Galway.
A mass grave for children who died in the Tuam mother and baby home, Galway. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

The Vatican sought a deal with the Irish state in 2003 to keep church archives closed, according to former president Mary McAleese.

The approach from the Vatican came at a time when two statutory inquiries were under way into child abuse involving the Catholic church.

McAleese said the matter was raised with her during a private meeting with a high-ranking Vatican official while she was on a state visit to Italy.

It was “one of the most devastating moments of my presidency”, she told the Irish Times.

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