AUSTRALIA
The Guardian
Cardinal George Pell faces “the moment of truth” about his knowledge of paedophile priests, a victims’ advocacy group says.
If any “silver bullet” exists it will come out during cross-examination of Pell in the child abuse royal commission next week, Broken Rites spokesman Wayne Chamley said.
Pell has already given evidence to the commission twice but Chamley noted that was largely about process – the Melbourne Response complaints handling scheme he set up as Melbourne archbishop in 1996 and the “Ellis defence” case as Sydney archbishop.
Pell’s evidence about any knowledge of paedophile priests during his time in Victoria’s Ballarat diocese and as a Melbourne bishop has a much sharper edge on it, Chamley said.
“This is the moment of truth,” he said. “It’s beyond belief that he didn’t [know]. It’s just beyond belief.”
Chamley said the hearing will be the time for any new documents involving Pell to come out.
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