Sir, – The tribunal set up by the Vatican has been welcomed by many ("Vatican tribunal could audit at least 12 Irish bishops", June 12th). However, it is an internal church forum, albeit with lay people involved. It was internal church structures that in the past dealt with priests who were alleged to have abused children and we know how ineffective they were.
It would be more appropriate if the bishops were to be the subjects of formal complaints by the Vatican to the police authorities in the respective countries.
The Irish bishops likely to come to the attention of this body are almost all retired so what sanction can Rome impose? Maybe they will only be allowed to wear their mitres in the house. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET LEE,
Newport,
Co Tipperary.