In a new report, the United Nations has heavily criticised the Vatican’s stance on homosexuality and it’s treatment of known child abusers.

The UN report acknowledged some improvements in attitudes towards LGBT people within the Catholic church, however stressed that there is still a long way to go.

The report said, “While also noting as positive the progressive statement delivered in July 2013 by Pope Francis, the Committee is concerned about the Holy See’s past statements and declarations on homosexuality which contribute to the social stigmatisation of and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents and children raised by same sex couples.”

The UN watchdog for children’s rights also slammed the Holy See for not removing priests who have sexually abused children, and instead moving them from parish to parish within countries. The committee said this practice places “children in many countries at high risk of sexual abuse, as dozens of child sexual offenders are reported to be still in contact with children”.

The Magdalene laundries scandal in Ireland was also singled out by the report, as an example of how the Vatican had failed to provide justice despite “slavery-like” conditions, including degrading treatment, violence and sexual abuse.

The Vatican is expected to make a statement about the report later today.