Cardinal George Pell has been found guilty of child sexual assault.
Cardinal George Pell, who was once the third most senior man in the Vatican and Australia’s most senior Catholic, was found guilty by a jury 11 of December in Melbourne’s county court, but the result was subject to a suppression order and could not be reported until now.
According to the Guardian, George Pell was found guilty of sexually penetrating a child under the age of 16 as well as four charges of an indecent act with a child under the age of 16. The offences occurred in December 1996 and early 1997 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, months after Pell was inaugurated as archbishop of Melbourne’s Catholic church.
George Pell will be sentenced on Wednesday.
Pope Francis, who has previously stuck behind Cardinal Geroge Pell and praised him for his honesty, is yet to make a statement following the guilty verdict.
Although Pope Francis is yet to make a statement, the Guardian reports that two days prior to the verdict becoming public knowledge, George Pell and two other cardinals had been removed from the pontiff’s council of advisers.
George Pell’s conviction is set to send shockwaves through the global Catholic church as they continue to face mounting allegations of systemic child sexual abuse.
UPDATE
Cardinal George Pell’s only living victim has released a statement after Pell was found guilty and convicted on five counts of sexual abuse.
The media statement reads:
Thank you for your interest in this case.
Like many survivors I have experienced shame, loneliness, depression and struggle. Like many survivors it has taken me years to understand the impact upon my life.
At some point we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationship we should trust.
I would like to thank my family near and far for their support of me, and of each other.
I am a witness in a case brought by the State of Victoria. I have put my trust in the police and the criminal justice system.
The process has been stressful and it is not over yet.
I need space and time to cope with the ongoing criminal process.
I understand this is a big news story but please don’t reveal my identity.
I ask that the media respect my privacy. I don’t want to give any interviews. Please don’t come to my home. I want to protect my young family and my parents. I don’t want them swept into the spotlight.
I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse. There are many other survivors and advocated who bravely fill this role.
I am just a regular guy working to support and protect my family as best I can.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
BREAKING: Watch the footage of Cardinal George Pell leaving court after being found guilty of child sex abuse
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
