Victims of sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests have held a candlelight procession in Rome to raise awareness of their suffering.

Protesters from a dozen countries took part in the march and are asking the Vatican to publish the names of abusers.

They also want the United Nations to declare child abuse a crime against humanity and are calling on the Pope to act more decisively against perpetrators of abuse.

Italian paramilitary police blocked a boulevard leading to the Vatican to prevent the march reaching the Holy See.

One of the organisers, David Furdon, says victims simply want more effective action by Pope Benedict against sex offenders.

"I'm not sure he's fully aware of how this cancer, if I can use that term, has affected us," he said.

"He apologises all over the world but doesn't do anything about it."

Dressed in white, the protesters marched with candles along a street leading to the Vatican although they were not allowed to enter Saint Peter's Square.