Screenshot from the Rome Reports video, Vatican recalls Ireland's apostolic nuncio for "consultations"

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In an exceptional move, the Vatican has recalled its nuncio to Ireland, reports the Catholic News Service. The Holy See said this would allow him to participate in meetings aimed at drafting the Vatican's formal response to the Cloyne Report on abuse.

Following the publication July 13 of the report "and, particularly, after the reactions that followed, the secretary of state has recalled the apostolic nuncio in Ireland, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, for consultations," the Vatican said in a statement July 25.

Passionist Father Ciro Benedettini, vice director of the Vatican press office, said recalling the nuncio "denotes the seriousness of the situation, the desire of the Holy See to face it with objectivity and determination, as well as a certain note of surprise and disappointment over some excessive reactions" to the report and its accusations against the Vatican.

In announcing the recall of the nuncio, Father Benedettini said the Vatican Secretariat of State wanted to ensure its response to the Cloyne Report was serious and complete, and to do that it was necessary that "the person on the scene," Archbishop Leanza, take part in drafting discussions along with officials from the congregations for the doctrine of the faith, religious, clergy and bishops.

He said the Vatican expects to forward its formal response to the Irish government before the end of August.

FULL STORY AND RELATED COVERAGE

In aftermath of Irish report on abuse, Vatican recalls nuncio (Catholic News Service)

Vatican Recalls Ireland Envoy Amid Abuse Uproar (Huffington Post/AP)

What does the Papal Nuncio's recall mean? (BBC)

PHOTO CREDIT

Screenshot from the Rome Reports video, Vatican recalls Ireland's apostolic nuncio for "consultations"