Vatican attacks media

The Vatican has attacked the media over charges that the Pope failed to act against a US priest accused of abusing up to 200 deaf boys two decades ago.



The latest allegations stem from the US, after it emerged that Archbishops had complained in 1996 about a priest, Father Lawrence Murphy.



Their complaints had reportedly gone before Pope Benedict 16th when he was a cardinal but apparently received no response.



However, a Vatican newspaper editorial has described claims, as an ignoble attack on the Pope and that there was no cover-up.



The head of the UK Catholic church said the Pope had made important changes to the way abuse was dealt with.



The recent allegations against the Catholic Church echo paedophilia scandals that rocked the institution in America eight years ago.



Allegations of the abuse of deaf children have also resurfaced in Italy, where interviews with several victims are due to be broadcast on national television later today.