Cardinal George Pell, whose convictions for sexual abuse of a minor was announced February 26, 2019, by an Australian court, has been remanded to Melbourne Assessment Prison, pending a sentencing hearing set for March 13, 2019, according to Vatican News.
The Cardinal has maintained his innocence and the conviction will be appealed. In the meantime, the Vatican on February 26, confirmed that Cardinal has been removed from public ministry and is prohibited from contact with minors.
In addition, in responding to questions from journalists, the Director “ad interim” of the Press Office of the Holy See, Alessandro Gisotti, said:
“I confirm that Cardinal Pell is no longer Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy.
“I can also clarify that, after the guilty verdict in the first instance concerning Cardinal Pell, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will now handle the case following the procedure and within the time established by canonical norm.”
Vatican Statement on Cardinal Pell
Australian Bishops’ Statement on Cardinal Pell
