BREAKING: Vatican responds to Cardinal George Pell ruling
Pell, one of Pope Francis’ closest advisers, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes.
“Cardinal Pell has reaffirmed his innocence and has the right to defend himself to the last degree.” “As we await the definitive verdict, we join the Australian bishops in praying for all victims of abuse, reaffirming our commitment to do everything possible so that the Church is a safe home for everyone, especially for children,” it said.
How to deal with bishops’ abuse or negligence was one of the biggest problems facing the summit, and many weren’t happy with the result. Cardinal George Pell arrives at the County Court in Melbourne on Tuesday. Picture: Andy Brownbill/AP PhotoCatholics in the United States have also been awaiting what the Vatican will do after two one-time archbishops of Washington, D.C., who are among the country’s most prominent examples, were felled in recent months amid the crisis.
Pope Francis delivering a speech during Eucharistic celebration at the Regia Hall of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, within the fourth and last day of a global child protection summit. Picture: AFPSource:AFP The Pope can remove Pell from the College of Cardinals - as was the case with American cardinal Theodore McCarrick - but many think he will wait until an appeal is over before taking action.
it was hard to predict the Vatican’s reaction to Pell because it was unprecedented in the modern history of the church. While that did not happen, senior members thought there could be a change in rules on bishops’ responsibility. “Whether bishops were abusers or have been derelict in dealing with abuse, there has to be an effective and practical way to deal with that,” he said.
The club removed Pell as club vice-patron after his guilty verdict was revealed on Tuesday. It was a largely symbolic role which he has held since 1997.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cardinal George Pell convicted of child sex offencesAustralia's highest-ranking Catholic has been convicted of five child sex offences committed in 1996, it can now be revealed. The Cardinal has already announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Read more »
George Pell guilty: Will the cardinal go to jail?Cardinal George Pell, once a trusted advisor to Pope Francis and Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic official, has been found guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys in St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne 22 years ago.
Read more »
Will Cardinal George Pell go to jail?Cardinal George Pell, once a trusted advisor to Pope Francis and Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic official, has been found guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys in St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne 22 years ago.
Read more »
Will Cardinal George Pell go to jail?Cardinal George Pell, once a trusted adviser to Pope Francis and Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic official, has been found guilty of sexually abusing two choirboys in St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne 22 years ago.
Read more »
Cardinal George Pell found guilty of child sex abuseCardinal George Pell has been found guilty and is set to be jailed for child sexual abuse in the most sensational verdict since the Catholic church became engulfed in worldwide abuse scandals.
Read more »
Cardinal George Pell found guilty of child sex abuseBREAKING Cardinal George Pell has been found guilty and is set to be jailed for child sexual abuse in the most sensational verdict since the Catholic church became engulfed in worldwide abuse scandals.
Read more »
Cardinal George Pell found guilty of child sex abuseCardinal George Pell has been found guilty and is set to be jailed for child sexual abuse in the most sensational verdict since the Catholic church became engulfed in worldwide abuse scandals.
Read more »
Pell found guilty of historical child sex offences | Sky News AustraliaCardinal George Pell has been found guilty of five counts of historical child sexual assault.\n\nWe can now report that Pell, Australia's most senior Catholic, was convicted on the 11th of December after a lengthy trial.\n\nThe jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty after a previous jury was discharged for failing to reach a verdict.\n\nPell is currently on bail, awaiting sentencing. \n\nHe is expected to appeal the conviction and has always strenuously denied all the allegations against him. \n\nThe 77-year-old took leave from his position as the Vatican's financial controller to fight the charges in Melbourne, last year.\n
Read more »
George Pell case: Why the public isn't allowed to know the specificsHere's an explanation of the law which determines what can and can't be published in criminal court cases.
Read more »