Belgian Catholic abuse increases pressure on Pope

The Catholic Church in Belgium today promised action after the revelation that hundreds of children were abused by clergy over the past 50 years.

An investigation last Friday uncovered about 300 cases of abuse of boys aged up to 14 and of girls that continued into adulthood. At least 13 victims committed suicide.

Belgium's Archbishop Andre-Mutien Leonard said today that "a feeling of anger and powerlessness" had taken hold of the Church, which has seen Pope Benedict face demands to open the Church's child abuse files to police forces across the world in advance of his visit to Britain.

Many of Belgium's alleged victims came forward after the Bishop of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned in April after admitting to having sexually abused a nephew before and after becoming a bishop.