Cardinal George Pell has testified before the Child Abuse Royal Commission on its fourth day from Rome. He previously expressed his regret of not being able to do more about the sexual abuse claims against members of the clergy. However, the cardinal stayed firm that he had information about the incidents.
As reported by ABC News, Pell previously expressed his regret about not being able to act about the issue during the third day of his testimony at the child abuse royal commission. He also stated that he was not aware of such allegations as he was deceived by the Catholic Education Office because he was "not cut from the same cloth". But despite such statements, Pell said he believes that he was able to meet the responsibilities that were tied to his position at the time.
On the final day of his four-day testimony, Pell asserted that he was not informed about the sexual abuse allegations pressed against some members of the clergy. He said that not even the police had mentioned the incidents to him.
According to America Magazine, he confirmed that he was once approached by a schoolboy in mid-70s about a Christian Brother who misbehaved with the other boys. Pell stated that he addressed the issue to the school chaplain who later told him that everything was under control.
The cardinal said that he did not take the boy's statements for an investigation as the claims mentioned were not specific and the schoolboy did not specifically request for him to do anything. Chairman of the Royal Commission, Judge Peter McClellan, subsequently intervened and asked him, "Why was it necessary for people to ask you to do something rather than for you to accept information and initiate your own response?" to which he eventually agreed that he should've done more about the issue.
As reported by Sydney Morning Herald, Counsel assisting the commission, Gail Furness disagreed with Pells statement saying that it was "implausible" that he was left out by the people of the clergy regarding the issue. She also stated that Pell's statements could be his way of keeping the blame away from him.
The survivors, relatives of the victims, as well as people from the media and clergy attended the session. The examination held centers on the abuse of children by priests and other members of the clergy which took place in 1970s to 1980s and actions taken about it.
