ROME
The Australian
LLOYD JONES, AAP EUROPE CORRESPONDENT
FEBRUARY 29, 2016
Cardinal George Pell has tied a ribbon at the Vatican in support of sex abuse victims, but Ballarat abuse survivors expect he’ll still put the church before victims when he testifies to a royal commission.
A group of survivors and supporters have travelled to Rome to hear the senior Australian cleric’s testimony at the elegant Quirinale Hotel from Monday (Australian time).
Cardinal Pell will be questioned over three to four days about what he knew of historic pedophile activity by priests when he served in Ballarat and Melbourne.
The Ballarat-born churchman, now in charge of the Vatican’s finances, has asked to give evidence by video link from Rome because of a heart condition that prevents him travelling to Australia.
On the eve of his testimony it emerged he had tied a yellow ribbon at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens in support of Loud Fence, a movement supporting abuse victims that started in Ballarat and spread worldwide.
“This is my gesture of support, especially for the people of Ballarat,” Cardinal Pell said in a statement.
“I hope the coming days will eventually lead to healing for everyone.”
In Rome on Sunday, Ballarat survivors welcomed the gesture, but said they wanted to see Cardinal Pell follow it up with strong words in support of victims during his testimony.
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