CARDIFF'S newly appointed Roman Catholic Archbishop has attempted to draw a line under the Church's recent past in his installation address.

Speaking at St David's Cathedral, Cardiff, the Most Reverend Peter Smith called on all members of the Church to work together, and he urged them not to allow the actions of some priests to diminish their respect for the work of the majority.

The Archbishop succeeds John Aloysius Ward, who resigned after criticism that he failed to act against paedophile priests.

Archbishop Smith said: "It is important for all of us to remember the vast majority of priests are good, hard-working shepherds of the flocks entrusted to their care." A congregation of 400 were in the cathedral, while another 300 watched the ceremony via a video link in the next-door Ebenezer Church.

The Archbishop said the Church had a special duty towards children. "Because as is evident from the words of Jesus they are especially loved by God," he said.

"To be indifferent and uncaring towards children and other vulnerable members of society is bad enough, but to abuse them is infinitely worse and a grave sin against love and justice.

"In so far as any of us has failed in this regard we are duty bound to remedy the harm done and seek forgiveness and reconciliation."

Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Archbishop of Wales the Most Reverend Rowan Williams were among those present.

Archbishop Pablo Puente, the Pope's representative in the UK, said: "This is the beginning of the solutions. Sometimes it takes years for tears to be dried and certain sorrows can remain very deep.

"We must apologise openly, clearly and with a great love to those who were innocent victims and to their families.

"Now it is time to heal the wounds and to unite." Cardinal Peter O'Connor was the only speaker to explicitly mention Archbishop Ward. He said: "I don't need to underline the difficulties and suffering that have occurred. "Archbishop Ward has suffered, too. He has always striven to be a faithful bishop and fulfilled what the Church asked him to do.

"He has been a good colleague and friend. I hope he has a very happy and peaceful retirement. "These have been troubled times for you all."

*PICTURED: The Most Reverend Peter Smith yesterday.