Noel Treanor from the Diocese of Down and Connor has also praised survivors who came forward for the probe which found failings at a number of institutions, including church-based bodies.
He said: "Let us pray that in response to the HIA (Historical Institutional Abuse) inquiry and report, our local church in this diocese and all involved in the statutory and voluntary sectors will have the grace and strength to respond with honesty, integrity and goodwill to the report's recommendations and their implementation so that the light of justice, truth and peace may shine upon us and facilitate in our society the cultivation of a civilisation of love, courtesy and care for all."
Chaired by retired judge Sir Anthony Hart, the independent inquiry recommended survivors of abuse at state, church and charity-run homes should receive an official apology from the government and the organisations involved.
Premier reported on Friday the HIA concluded systematic failings were found at the majority of investigated institutions and residential homes.
With Northern Ireland's assembly facing fresh elections after the resignation of deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, it is uncertain how quickly Sir Anthony's recommendations will be implemented.
Bishop Noel Treanor also said: "We can barely imagine the pain and suffering involved in their efforts to revisit and describe in words a dark, disappointing, lonely and infernal time in their lives in order to give their evidence."
The Northern Ireland Assembly is due to discuss the report this week.