AUSTRALIA
9 News
AAP
Allegations aired in a new book of sexual abuse by Australia’s highest ranking Catholic official, George Pell, are nothing but “character assassination” says the cardinal.
The book, Cardinal: The rise and fall of George Pell, by ABC journalist Louise Milligan was released by Melbourne University Press on Monday.
“Each and every allegation of abuse and cover up against him is false. The book is an exercise in character assassination,” a statement from Cardinal Pell’s office issued on Monday night reads.
“The decision by MUP to bring forward the publication of the book prior to any findings by the Royal Commission and while allegations are still under consideration by the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions is a blatant attempt to interfere in the course of justice.
“Unlike MUP, the Cardinal will not interfere with the course of justice. He will await the outcome of due process before launching defamation action.”
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