The Pope attempted to defuse growing anger in the Irish Republic over the sex abuse scandal on Wednesday by urging people to read an open letter on the crisis "with an open heart and in a spirit of faith".

Pope Benedict took the opportunity of St Patrick's Day to address Irish members of his general audience, acknowledging the church had been "severely shaken" and that he was deeply concerned.

"I ask all of you to read it [the letter] for yourselves," he said. "My hope is that it will help in the process of repentance, healing and renewal."

The comments came just hours after the most senior figure in the Irish church used his sermon to apologise for helping to cover up child abuse allegations.

Cardinal Sean Brady, the primate of All Ireland, has so far resisted calls to resign after his admission that he attended a meeting 35 years ago where two abuse victims were forced to sign an oath of silence over complaints against one of the country's most notorious paedophile priests.

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