ROME
7 News
The cardinal, who was too ill to return to Australia for questioning, is testifying via videolink from the Hotel Quirinale in Rome in front of a group of survivors from Ballarat.
Before giving evidence, he swore on the Bible that he would tell the truth.
He 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.
First up, he detailed his role at the Vatican, describing it as “something equivalent to a treasurer” but would not concur that he held the third most senior position in the church.
“I wouldn’t say it was. People like to make these hypothetical lists. Some people would see the financial affairs of the Vatican as very low on the list,” he said.
“I’m a senior official in the Roman curia.”
He was then asked about financing of compensation for victims of clergy abuse.
He said he had given advice, as one of the nine cardinals on an informal council advising the pope, prior to the establishment of the pontifical commission for the protection of minors in March 2014.
Cardinal Pell, under questioning, said child sex abuse had been an issue for centuries.
“The church has made enormous mistakes and is working to remedy those but the church in many places, certainly in Australia, has mucked things up, has let people down,” he said.
“I’m not here to defend the indefensible.”
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