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William Crawley|09:43 UK time, Thursday, 22 April 2010

The Catholic abuse crisis is producing new stories and updates on an almost-daily basis. Here are some of the latest:

Pope Benedict makes his first public statement about the abuse crisis following an "emotional meeting" with victims and survivors. He pledges action by the church to deal with abusers and protect children, but does not elaborate further on the steps to be taken.

A letter emerges from 1963, addressed to the Pope and written by an expert on paedophilia who explains that paedophiles are incorrigibly recidivist and recommends their total removal from the priesthood. Some critics say this new letter contradicts church claims that their were in the dark in the 1960s, 70s and 80s about the nature of paedophilia and how best to deal with it.

The leader of Catholics in England and Wales is expected to express his sorrow at the "terrible crimes" against children perpetrated by some priests. Archbishop Vincent Nichols is also likely to make reference to the "inadequate response by some church leaders". In a letter to be sent to all parishes in England and Wales, the archbishop will say, "We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses."

A German bishop offers his resignation to the Pope after facing allegations that he hit children during the 1970s and 1980s.

Organisers of a major Latin Mass event in the United States, announce that the cardinal who wrote to a bishop congratulating him for not reporting an abusive priest to the police will no longer be taking part in their celebrations.

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