George Pell: Catholics Asked in Newspaper to Chip in for Cardinal's Legal Costs
ABC News
Supporters of Cardinal George Pell are being asked to contribute to his legal fund through a series of advertisements. Some of the ads have appeared in the Catholic Weekly, the news journal published by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. In an article published on the Weekly's website it also said: "When Cardinal Pell took leave from his role as Prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy to voluntarily return to Australia nearly 12 months ago to fight the charges, many supporters wanted to contribute to his legal costs." Cardinal Pell is fighting against historical sexual offence charges. He has pleaded not guilty. Media reports estimate that each court day is costing Cardinal Pell tens of thousands of dollars. A date for the first trial is expected to be set next week. There has been a mixed response from some in the legal fraternity to the advertisements. NSW-based lawyer Peter Kelso, who has represented hundreds of clergy abuse victims, said the Cardinal was entitled to raise money. "The Catholic Weekly is the only place that can run advertisements like this," he said. But Ingrid Irwin, a lawyer from Victoria who has previously represented some of the accusers against Cardinal Pell, described the advertisements as "hugely unfair". The donations are being managed by the Victorian firm Ferdinand Zito and Associates. A spokesperson for the firm has told the ABC that they cannot comment because of legal professional privilege. Katrina Lee from Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney referred the ABC to a previous statement, which said: "An independent fund was established where people could contribute to his costs. The Archdiocese of Sydney did not establish the fund nor is it managing the fund." It has also previously said it is not responsible for Cardinal Pell's legal bills.
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