Australian commission will allow lawyers for Cardinal Pell to question accusers

November 23, 2015

An Australian commission investigating sexual abuse will allow lawyers for Cardinal George Pell to question witnesses who have charged that the cardinal concealed evidence of clerical abuse.

Cardinal Pell, who now serves at the Vatican as Secretary for the Economy, has been a special target of critics in Australia. In testimony for the Royal Commission’s investigation, witnesses have charged that the cardinal was aware of a widespread abuse and even that he attempted to secure a victim’s silence by offering a bribe. But no evidence has been produced to back these charges, which Cardinal Pell has firmly denied.

Because of the severity of the charges that have been aired against him, and the lack of corroborating evidence, the commission has decided to set aside its usual policy, and allow cross-examination of abuse victims.

Cardinal Pell has testified twice before the Royal Commission and has said that he will appear to testify once again to answer any remaining questions.

 

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Further information:

• Pell’s ‘right to fight falsehoods’ (The Australian)
• Cardinal Pell receives backing from other Australian prelates-- and from a liberal critic (CWN, 6/2)
• Papal abuse commission steers clear of Pell-Saunders dispute (CWN, 6/4)