The Bishops of England and Wales are making their ad limina visit to the Pope. In preparation they announced the establishment of an independent enquiry into child sexual abuse. Meanwhile Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop Longley are scheduled to appear before the IICSA in London.

One question is uppermost: will the English and Welsh bishops seek assurances from Francis that the Holy See will inaugurate a Church-wide investigation parallel to their own?

The credibility of local initiatives surely depends on the willingness of the Vatican to show itself similarly vigilant.