Loss of faith a ` ` significant contributing factor '' in child sexual abuse , pope said . Independent Irish report found Catholic Church in Ireland had covered up ` ` widespread '' abuse . Church challenges bishops to face current crisis with ` ` honesty and courage '' NEW : ` This has done an immense damage to the authority of the church as the mouthpiece of the gospel of Jesus Christ . Catholic group says that ` ` clearly failed the victims and the Irish people ''
Loss of faith a ` ` significant contributing factor '' in child sexual abuse , pope said . Independent Irish report found Catholic Church in Ireland had covered up ` ` widespread '' abuse . Church challenges bishops to face current crisis with ` ` honesty and courage '' NEW : Catholic group says that ` ` clearly failed the victims and the Irish people ''