AUSTRALIA
The Telegraph (UK)
Senior Vatican figure accused of trying to cover up paedophilia in Australia
By Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney 20 May 2015
George Pell, an Australian Cardinal who is one of the most senior figures in the Vatican, has been accused of ignoring and covering up child sex abuse claims during his service in Australia, including allegedly trying to bribe a victim of a paedophile priest to remain silent.
In dramatic testimony at Australia’s royal commission into child sex abuse, David Ridsdale said he was abused by his uncle Gerard Ridsdale – a notorious paedophile and unfrocked priest – and phoned Cardinal Pell, who tried to silence him.
Mr Ridsdale said he spoke to Cardinal Pell in 1993 but the priest did not appear shocked and instead attempted to bribe him. Cardinal Pell has previously denied the claim.
“George then began to talk about my growing family and my need to take care of their needs. He mentioned how I would soon have to buy a car or house for my family,” Mr Ridsdale said.
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