AUSTRALIA
The Asian Age
AFP
Sydney: From country priest to trusted top Vatican aide, the rise of Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric George Pell has been plagued in its twilight by sordid controversies from the past.
To his admirers, the 76-year-old cardinal embodies the orthodox traditions of Australian Catholicism, but to his critics he represents an institution that has failed to properly deal with child sex abuse allegations.
Pell, who was charged Thursday with historical sex abuse, strongly denies the allegations, details of which were not given by police.
He also says he had no knowledge of widespread paedophilia in the church in Australia, even suggesting a conspiracy to bring him down.
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