Wollongong Bishop Peter Ingham has responded to news Australia’s highest ranking Catholic is facing historical sex offence charges, saying ‘’truth and justice must be the first and overriding priority’’.
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Victoria Police confirmed Cardinal George Pell has been charged on summons and is due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.
Bishop Ingham said he had read the media reports on Thursday morning.
“Like with all matters such as this, truth and justice must be the first and overriding priority,’’ Bishop Ingham said in a statement.
‘’At this point, I can only reiterate the words of the Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, Shane Patton, who said that the matters have not yet been tested in any court.’’
Bishop Ingham said Cardinal Pell, ‘’like any other defendant, has a right to due process and it is important that this due process is allowed to run its course’’.
‘’In order to preserve the integrity of that process, natural justice must be afforded to all parties involved, including Cardinal Pell and the complainants.
‘’Therefore, as you would appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further statement at this time beyond that I pray that truth and justice will shine through this process.’’
Cardinal Pell is the third most senior Catholic at the Vatican, where he is responsible for the church's finances.
The charges are likely to force Cardinal Pell to step down from his Vatican post while he fights the charges.
Cardinal Pell strenuously denies any wrongdoing.