"the George Pell I Know Is a Very Fine Man Indeed': Tony Abbott Stands by His Friend and Third Most Senior Figure in the Vatican Church after He Was Charged with Historical Sex Offences

By Sam Duncan
Daily Mail
June 29, 2017

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4649940/Tony-Abbott-stands-Pell-charged-historical-sex-offences.html

Tony Abbott has leapt to the defence of Cardinal George Pell after the Pope's finance chief was charged with historical sex offences.

Mr Abbott, a Catholic who once trained to be a seminarian, has long maintained a high profile relationship with Pell, who is the third most senior figure at the Vatican.

Following the charges, which will see Cardinal Pell return to Australia to attend court, the former prime minister made a public display of support for his old friend.

Tony Abbott, a Roman Catholic who once trained as a seminarian, came out in support of Cardinal George Pell (pictured)

Former prime minister Abbott (pictured) called Pell 'a very fine man indeed' in a statement to the media

Cardinal Pell is Australia's highest ranking Catholic and the third most senior Cardinal at the Vatican (pictured)

The Liberal member for Warringah released a statement on Thursday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Obviously, the legal process must now take its course,' Mr Abbott said.

'But the George Pell I have known is a very fine man indeed.'

Cardinal Pell (pictured) has been charged with historical sex offences, and will appear in court on July 18th

Pell (pictured, left) and Abbott have had a long and public relationship, and Mr Abbott has supported him in the past

Cardinal Pell (pictured) has denied the charges and announced that he will return to Australia to face them.

Former prime minister Abbott has been close to Pell for years, and defended him during previous investigations into Pell's role in sex abuse scandals.

In 2012 Mr Abbott went on record as to the nature of their relationship, saying that Pell is, 'a person of significance and influence in my life.'

'Occasionally he will ring me with a thought. Occasionally I will ring him to ask could we catch up.'

During a Victorian Parliament inquiry in 2013, then-PM Mr Abbott stated that Pell is, 'in my judgment, a fine human being and a great churchman.'

Pell has released a statement protesting his innocence, denying all charges.

'I'm looking forward, finally, to having my day in court. I'm innocent of these charges. They are false.' Cardinal Pell stated.

'The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me.'

He will return from Rome to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.