**The head of the Catholic church in Ireland has apologised for his role in an alleged cover-up of child abuse.**As a priest in 1975 Cardinal Sean Brady was at meetings where children signed vows of silence over complaints against paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth.
He said he wanted to apologise to “all those who feel I have let them down”.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI Benedict has announced that on Friday he will sign his long awaited pastoral letter dealing with paedophilia in Ireland.
He said he hoped his letter would “help repentance, healing and renewal”.
In a statement on Wednesday, Cardinal Brady said:"This week a painful episode from my own past has come before me.
"I have listened to reaction from people to my role in events 35 years ago.
"I want to say to anyone who has been hurt by any failure on my part that I apologise to you with all my heart.
"I also apologise to all those who feel I have let them down.
“Looking back I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in.”