<p> <br /> Pope Benedict has apologised to victims of child sex abuse by Irish clergy, saying he felt "shame and remorse".<br /> </p><br /> <p> <br /> In a letter to be read to churchgoers on Sunday, the pontiff said: "You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry."<br /> </p><br /> <p> <br /> He also announced a formal Vatican investigation of Irish dioceses, seminaries and religious orders affected by the scandal.<br /> </p><br /> <p> <br /> He added that he was willing to meet victims to acknowledge their suffering personally.<br /> </p><br /> <p> <br /> Pope Benedict, facing a spreading scandal of child sexual abuse by priests in the Roman Catholic Church, had said he hoped his letter would "help repentance, healing and renewal".<br /> </p><br /> <p> <br /> Ireland's Cardinal Sean Brady continues to resist calls to resign for his handling of historic abuse allegations that saw victims sign confidentiality deals.<br /> </p>
