AUSTRALIA
The Age
Broede Carmody
Victoria Police is considering flying to Rome to interview Cardinal George Pell or interview him via videolink over complaints of sexual abuse against the cardinal made by two Ballarat men.
It is believed the brief of evidence has been returned to Victoria Police and assistant commissioner Steve Fontana is assessing the claims.
Sexual abuse claims made by two men against Cardinal George Pell could see Victoria Police investigators head to Rome.
Fairfax Media understands it is almost certain police will seek to interview Cardinal Pell.
Police are investigating multiple allegations of child abuse against the cardinal, including allegations he touched the genitals of children while they swam at a public pool in Ballarat in the late 1970s.
In a statement, Victoria Police confirmed it has received advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions in relation to allegations of historical sexual assaults committed in Ballarat East between 1976 and 1980, and East Melbourne between 1996 and 2001.
“We have received advice from the DPP and will now take the time to consider it,” A Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
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