AUSTRALIA
The New Daily
MICHELLE BROWN
Cardinal George Pell has been excused from giving evidence in person to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Cardinal Pell will appear before the inquiry by video link from Rome to give evidence on church abuse in Ballarat.
Commission chair Justice Peter McClellan said he accepted medical evidence that the 74-year-old would be at risk of heart failure if forced to fly to Australia to give evidence.
“Although people with the conditions that Cardinal Pell has may fly long distances, it is apparent from the medical report that in the case of Cardinal Pell there is a risk to his health if he undertook such travel at the present time,” Justice McClellan said.
“Having regard to the nature of his aliments it could not be expected that his health is likely to improve and remove those risks.”
“Although it remains preferable that he gives evidence in Australia, when the alternative that he give evidence by video link is available the Commissioners are satisfied that course should be adopted.”
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