Pope confirms Card. Pell
prohibited from exercising public ministry
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| St.Peter's Basilica. |
Pope Francis has confirmed the “precautionary measures”
already taken in the case of Cardinal George Pell. The former Archbishop of
Sydney, Australia, is prohibited from exercising his public ministry, and of
having any contact with minors. These measures had already been announced by
the local Ordinary when the Cardinal returned to Australia.
In a statement, the ad interim Director of the Vatican Press
Office, Alessandro Gisotti, says the Holy See “while awaiting the definitive
judgement”, unites itself “with the Australian bishops in praying for all
victims of abuse”. The statement also reaffirms the Church’s “commitment to
everything possible” to protect children and the most vulnerable.
Please find the full text of the statement below.
“The Holy See agrees with the statement issued by the
President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference regarding the sentence
of guilt in the first instance concerning Cardinal George Pell. This is painful
news that, as we are well aware, has shocked many people, not only in
Australia. As already expressed on other occasions, we have the utmost respect
for the Australian judicial authorities. Out of this respect, we await the
outcome of the appeals process, recalling that Cardinal Pell maintains his
innocence and has the right to defend himself until the last stage of appeal.
While awaiting the definitive judgement, we unite ourselves with the Australian
bishops in praying for all victims of abuse, and reaffirm our commitment to do
everything possible so that the Church might be a safe home for all, especially
for children and the most vulnerable. In order to ensure the course of justice,
the Holy Father has confirmed the precautionary measures which had been imposed
by the local Ordinary on Cardinal George Pell when he returned to Australia.
That is, while awaiting the definitive assessment of the facts, as is the norm,
Cardinal George Pell is prohibited from exercising public ministry and from
having any voluntary contact whatsoever with minors.”
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