AUSTRALIA/ROME
Huffington Post
By Eoin Blackwell
Cardinal George Pell is willing to meet with abuse survivors in Rome, following a crowdfunding campaign to send representatives to hear his testimony before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Survivors of abuse at Catholic institutions in Ballarat are hoping to attend the hearings in person, following a crowd funding campaign that raised more than $170,000 in three days, surpassing its aim of $55,000 on its first day.
Pell is expected to give evidence as part of the Commission’s inquires into how the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Catholic Church authorities in Ballarat responded to wide-spread abuse, and in early February it accepted medical evidence a long-haul flight posed risks to the Cardinal’s health.
“Cardinal Pell has always helped victims, listened to them and considered himself their ally,” Pell’s statement said.
“As an archbishop for almost 20 years he has led from the front to put an end to coverups, top protect vulnerable people and to try and bring justice to victims.
“As Cardinal Pell has done after earlier hearings, he is prepared to meet with and listen to victims and express his ongoing support.”
He said he was anxious to present all the facts without delay, and will cooperate with “whatever arrangements the Royal Commission determines”.
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