Why George Pell's conviction for child sexual abuse is significant

Australia’s most senior Catholic was once considered a likely successor to Pope Francis.

Cardinal George Pell leaves court.

Cardinal George Pell leaves court. Source: Getty

Australian Cardinal George Pell, considered one of the most important figures in the Catholic Church, has been found guilty of historical child sexual offences.

The guilty verdict was delivered on 11 December 2018 but couldn't be reported until Tuesday.

In Melbourne’s County Court, a 12-member jury unanimously found Pell guilty on five charges of “historical child sexual offences” dating back to his time as newly-installed Archbishop of Melbourne at St Patrick's Cathedral in 1996.

The 77-year-old was found guilty of raping a choirboy and molesting another.

One charge related to alleged sexual offences committed at the cathedral in Melbourne.

He has vehemently maintained his innocence.

 

For more in English.


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By Jameel Karaki, Evan Young
Source: AFP, SBS

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