Australian police near decision on questioning Cardinal Pell about abuse claims

August 17, 2016

Police in Australia are close to a decision on whether or not to pursue an investigation into sexual-abuse charges that have been lodged against Cardinal George Pell, the prefect of the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy.

Police officials in Victoria had indicated earlier in July that a preliminary investigation would determine whether or not detectives should travel to Rome to question the cardinal. That preliminary investigation is now complete, the Victoria police have announced, and they are weighing whether to pursue the matter further. Contrary to several reports in the Australian media, the police announcement gave no indication of whether or not a further investigation was likely.

The charges against Cardinal Pell involve incidents that occurred several decades ago. The cardinal has emphatically denied any wrongdoing. 

 

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Further information:

• George Pell: police consider whether to charge cardinal over child abuse claims (Guardian)
• Cardinal Pell under investigation for abuse, Australian broadcast reports (CWN, 7/27)