AUSTRALIA
ABC News
Cardinal George Pell has hit back at criticism of his inability to return to Australia to appear in person before the child sex abuse royal commission, following a controversial song by comedian Tim Minchin.
Australia’s most high-profile Catholic is prepared to “meet with and listen to victims and express his ongoing support” after his testimony in Rome, a statement from his office said, adding that the past few days had seen a lot of “incorrect information” surface.
“Cardinal Pell has always helped victims, listened to them and considered himself their ally,” the statement said.
“As an archbishop for almost 20 years he has led from the front to put an end to cover-ups, to protect vulnerable people and to try to bring justice to victims.”
Anthony Foster, whose two daughters, Emma and Kate, were raped by their parish priest in suburban Melbourne, said he did speak to Cardinal Pell briefly after his testimony in New South Wales.
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