Dutch religious leaders have ordered an independent inquiry into alleged sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests. Earlier, the Vatican defended its response to child sex abuse allegations in a number of European states, saying it had reacted rapidly and decisively.
In the latest revelations, the head of an Austrian monastery confessed to abusing a boy more than 40 years ago. Separately, Pope Benedict's brother said in an interview he slapped pupils in the face at a German choir school.
The Dutch investigation will be opened "as soon as possible", it was announced after Dutch bishops met to discuss abuse claims by about 200 alleged victims, some from several decades ago.
Dutch church orders inquiry into sex abuse allegations
Twenty people have been killed in an air strike by a Saudi-led military coalition in southwestern...
Four Palestinians were killed in protests on Friday at the Gaza-Israel border, the health officials said.
Another...
Bombings at voter registration centres in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Baghlan province have killed...
Cuba has formally announced Miguel Diaz-Canel as the country's new president.
The 57-year-old father of two was...
