AUSTRALIA
ABC News
Seven prominent Catholic officials from around Australia have written an open letter endorsing Cardinal George Pell ahead of his next appearance at the royal commission into child sexual abuse.
Five archbishops and two bishops signed the statement which described the former archbishop of Sydney as a “man of integrity who is committed to helping others”.
“His style can be robust and direct; he does not wear his heart on his sleeve,” the statement said.
“But underneath he has a big heart for people.”
The statement also said Cardinal Pell had previously acknowledged his mistakes and apologised for the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases.
“Cardinal Pell was one of the first bishops in the world to put in place a comprehensive church response to investigate allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and to provide survivors with redress and counselling,” the statement said.
“He has responded to criticisms that have been made of his handling of these matters over the years, acknowledged mistakes frankly, and apologised for them.
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