The Vatican also said that Pope Benedict XVI has named a Boston cardinal to assist the Archdiocese of Dublin in Ireland, mired in a sexual abuse crisis.

The Boston Globe reported on Monday that Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley will remain archbishop of Boston but assume new duties as "apostolic visitor" to the Dublin archdiocese.

Ireland's Catholic Church has been under fire following accusations of multiple abuse cases in church-connected institutions in the country.

The Globe further said that O'Malley is U. S.-born but proud of his Irish heritage and of being Irish-American.

A Vatican press office statement also said that O'Malley will "explore more deeply questions concerning the handling of cases of abuse and the assistance owed to the victims.''

The statement said that he will also "monitor the effectiveness of and seek possible improvements to the current procedures for preventing abuse."

The Globe further reported that this is the fourth time since 1992 O'Malley, 65, has been given the task of intervening in a diocese involved in clergy sexual abuse. (With Inputs from Agencies)