By the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth

13 November 2019

Download the full text in PDF

Today, the High Court of Australia has granted the request for special leave lodged on behalf of Cardinal George Pell by his legal team in relation to the Cardinal's conviction in the County Court of Victoria on serious charges of sexual abuse of minors. 

Cardinal Pell continues to vehemently protest his innocence in relation to these charges and has exercised his legal right to seek special leave to the High Court of Australia.  He is fully entitled to do so under Australian law. Until all legal processes have been concluded it would be inappropriate for me to make any further public comments about this matter.

Sexual abuse of children and young people is an abhorrent crime wherever, whenever and by whomever it is perpetrated.  As I have done on many other occasions, I would again strongly encourage anyone who has allegations of child sexual abuse against any officials connected to the Catholic Church, clergy or otherwise, to report these matters to the police.

Irrespective of people’s views on this matter, many people of faith will pray for Cardinal Pell, as they will for each and every person who has been subjected to the horror of sexual abuse and who is trying to rebuild their lives. 

I will be one of these people and I urge you to join me.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB

Archbishop of Perth