They will grill a cardinal representing the pope on Friday , they say . A 1997 report warns bishops to follow canonical procedures . Belfast , Northern Ireland ( CNN ) -- Irish victims of sexual abuse are `` disgusted '' by a newly revealed letter in which a Vatican official expresses `` serious reservations '' about requiring bishops to report suspected abuse by priests to police , they said Wednesday . Victims groups say it is a smoking gun proving a systematic cover - up . Irish bishops have followed mandatory reporting rules since 1996 , their spokesman says .
They will grill a cardinal representing the pope on Friday , they say . A 1997 report warns bishops to follow canonical procedures . Victims groups say it is a smoking gun proving a systematic cover - up . Irish bishops have followed mandatory reporting rules since 1996 , their spokesman says .