Cardinal George Pell Speaks from Vatican about Historical Sex Charges

By Nino Bucci
The Age
June 29, 2017

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cardinal-george-pell-speaks-from-vatican-about-historical-sex-charges-20170629-gx1cug.html

Cardinal George Pell is taking leave from his post at the Vatican in his bid to clear his name over multiple historical sex abuse allegations.

Cardinal Pell was impassioned and defiant during a press conference on Thursday, and said he was "looking forward to his day in court"

He confirmed he would return to Australia to fight the charges, pending medical advice.

One of the most senior figures in the Catholic Church, he criticised what he claimed were several leaks to the media and the "character assassination" to which he had been he had been subject.

"These matters have been under investigation now for two years. There have been leaks to the media. There has been relentless character assassination," he said.

"And for more than a month, claims that a decision on whether to lay charges was imminent.

Cardinal George Pell arrives to make a statement at the Vatican on Thursday. Photo: AP

Cardinal Pell said he had regularly kept Pope Francis informed "during these long months" and spoke to him most recently a day ago.

"We talked about my need to take leave to clear my name. So I'm very grateful to the Holy Father for giving me this leave to return to Australia. I've spoken to my lawyers about when this will be necessary. And I've spoken to my doctors about the best way to achieve this.

"All along, I have been completely consistent and clear in my total rejection of these allegations. News of these charges strengthens my resolve. And court proceedings now offer me an opportunity to clear my name and then return here back to Rome to work."

Holy See spokesman Greg Burke said the church respected the justice system, but also outlined Cardinal Pell's repeated efforts to speak out about clerical abuse and cooperate with government inquiries.

"The Holy See expresses its respect for the Australian justice system, which will have to decide the merits of the questions raised.

"At the same time, it is important to recall that Cardinal Pell has openly - and repeatedly - condemned as immoral and intolerable the acts of abuse committed against minors.

"He has cooperated in the past with Australian authorities, for example, in his depositions before the royal commission, has supported the pontifical commission for the protection of minors, and finally, as a diocese and bishop in Australia, has introduced systems and procedures - both for the protection of minors and to provide assistance to victims of abuse."

Mr Burke said Pope Francis was grateful for the work Cardinal Pell had done in the past three years, and had granted him leave so he could defend himself.

"The Holy Father, who has appreciated Cardinal Pell's honesty during his three years of work in the Roman Curia, is grateful for his collaboration and, in particular, for his energetic dedication to the reforms in the economic and administrative sector, as well as his active participation in the Council of Cardinals, the See Nine."

"Having become aware of the charges, Cardinal Pell - acting in full respect of civil laws - has decided to return to his country to face the charges against him, recognising the importance of his participation to ensure that the process is carried out fairly and to foster the search for truth," Mr Burke said.

"The Holy Father - having been informed by Cardinal Pell - has granted the Cardinal a leave of absence so he can defend himself."

Mr Burke said Cardinal Pell would not be seen at upcoming events, including the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which will be held later on Thursday.

He said in a statement released earlier on Thursday saying he planned to "vigorously" defend the charges.