The Vatican has recalled its special envoy in Ireland after a highly critical report on the Catholic Church's handling of child abuse by priests.
The Cloyne Report showed how allegations of sex abuse by priests in Cork had been covered up.
It led Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to accuse the church of putting its reputation ahead of child rape victims, the BBC reports.
The Vatican says the recall of its envoy should be interpreted as an expression of its desire for serious and effective collaboration with the Irish government.
But it expressed surprise and disappointment at what it called - certain excessive reactions.
