AUSTRALIA
9 News
The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, says there is a “continuing misconception” about what Pope Benedict XVI did to address child abuse in the Catholic church.
The 85-year-old pontiff’s surprise decision to retire comes as Australia embarks on a three-year royal commission into into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.
In an online interview with the communications director of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Cardinal Pell addressed the allegation by victims’ groups and politicians that the Pope hadn’t done enough on the issue of Church sexual abuse.
“I think it’s a continuing misconception for a number of reasons,” he said.
“First of all, the overwhelming responsibility for meeting this crisis, this abuse, rests with the local hierarchy, the local bishops and the local religious superiors.
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