DHAKA: The Vatican is being confronted publicly for the first time over the sexual abuse of children by clergy, at a UN hearing in Geneva.

The Church was asked why it continued to describe such abuse as an offense against morals rather than a crime against children.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said such crimes could ‘never be justified’ and every child should be ‘inviolable’, reports the BBC.

The Vatican earlier refused a request for data on abuse.

When it argued that such cases should be heard in the countries where they took place, it was accused of responding inadequately to abuse allegations.

This is the first time the Holy See is defending itself in public over its record on sex abuse.

Victims say they hope the hearing, which is being broadcast live, will prompt the Church to end its ‘secrecy’.

BDST: 1739 HRS, JAN 16, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor