The Vatican has released a statement saying that the final report from the child abuse royal commission "deserves to be studied seriously."

The 17-volume document from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse marks the end of one of the world's biggest inquiries into child abuse and leaves it to the Australian government to decide whether to enact its recommendations.

The Vatican says the report from the royal commission into child abuse needs to be studied seriously. Credit:Fabio Frustaci

The commission's final report on Friday recommended the Australian Catholic Church should request permission from the Vatican to introduce voluntary celibacy for the clergy to reduce the risk of harm to children.

While not addressing the recommendations specifically, the press office of the Holy See did acknowledge the report in a brief statement.