A Catholic diocese in the US is to publish a full list of all priests who have been accused of child sex crimes after a Grand Jury report disclosed a horrifiying catalogue of abuse.

Bishop Mark Bartchak also pledged a full review of child proection after what Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane described as a "day of reckoning" for abusers in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese.

Kane said she was sorry no-one can be charged after the two-year investigation that revealed how hundreds of children were raped and abused by priests whose crimes were covered up by bishops and even some law-enforcement officials.

This because the abuse happened too long ago, the abusers had died or because the victims were too badly affected to testify.

The Grand Jury report, covered and posted in full online by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, described the abuse as "soul murder," and taking place in camps, homes and even the cathedral.

"Over many years hundreds of children have fallen victim to child predators wrapped in the authority and integrity of an honorable faith. As wolves disguised as the shepherds themselves — these men stole the innocence of children by sexually preying upon the most innocent and vulnerable," the report said.

Bishop Bartchak said in his statement: "I will publish a list of all priests who have been the subject of credible allegations, along with each priest's current status. The list will be posted on our website."

He issued a "heartfelt and sincere apology" to victims, families, Catholics, to the "good priests" of the diocese and to the wider public.

He said: "I have been bishop for five years. During this time, we have re-examined allegations, removed clergy from ministry, reported allegations to civil authorities, and strengthened our training program. I am committed to doing even more to protect children."

He said he had been "deeply affected" by the words and pain of survivors.

"With the grand jury report, we know more, and we will do more."