AUSTRALIA
Brimbank Weekly

By Nicole Hasham
Dec. 24, 2012

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, has apologised to “those who have suffered at the hands of fellow Christians” in his first Christmas message since the federal government announced a royal commission on child sex abuse.

Cardinal Pell, who said last month that the royal commission would help decipher real claims from “significant exaggeration”, did not address the sex abuse claims directly, but said he felt the “shock and shame across the community at these revelations of wrongdoing and crimes”.

“My heart will go out to all those who cannot find peace at this time, especially those who have suffered at the hands of fellow Christians; Christian officials, priests” and teachers, he said.

“I am deeply sorry this has happened. It is completely contrary to Christ’s teachings.”