The offices of Cardinal George Pell in Rome have released the following statement in the wake of renewed attention in his native Australia to charges of covering sex abuse.
STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF CARDINAL GEORGE PELL IN ROME
The past few days has seen a great deal of incorrect information relating to Cardinal George Pell and his upcoming Royal Commission appearance.
Cardinal Pell has always helped victims, listened to them and considered himself their ally. As an archbishop for almost twenty years he has led from the front to put an end to cover ups, to protect vulnerable people and to try to bring justice to victims.
He has appeared before the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry and twice before the Royal Commission, including for several days in person at the Royal Commission public hearing in Sydney in 2014. The Cardinal is anxious to present the facts without further delays. It is ultimately a matter for the Royal Commission to determine the precise arrangements for the provision of evidence by the Cardinal in Rome. The Cardinal will continue to co-operate with whatever arrangements the Royal Commission determines, so that he can be heard on the days and at the times recently set by the Commissioner.
As Cardinal Pell has done after earlier hearings, he is prepared to meet with and listen to victims and express his ongoing support.
