In what had the characteristics of a valedictory address at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin yesterday, Cardinal Desmond Connell asked pardon of all whom he had offended.
He said that given his age it was reasonable to suppose that it was his last time to celebrate the Chrism Mass, which takes place every Holy Thursday.
The Cardinal was 78 on March 26th, and it is widely expected that he will step down as Arch- bishop of Dublin in coming weeks.
"The confession of sin is better made in the silence of the heart than spoken aloud," the Cardinal said.
"But I ask pardon of all whom I have offended, especially of those who suffered unspeakable abuse by priests of the diocese and experienced a lack of the care that ought to have been provided.
"I can only hope that the steps now taken will ensure that the future will see no repetition of what happened in the past.
"I dare even to hope that later on a more complete account of the efforts made to do what was required will prove helpful to all.
"When I was criticised I was unable to respond owing to the fact that I had already submitted my record to an independent inquiry.
"As I ask pardon of those whom I have offended I freely forgive whatever has seemed to be unfair to me," he added.