Cardinal Pell proclaims innocence after allegations of child sexual abuse
Cardinal George Pell has proclaimed his innocence from Rome after allegations of child sexual abuse as Victorian detectives consider whether to lay charges.
Cardinal Pell addressed the allegations outside his Rome apartment on Wednesday and said he would "continue to cooperate fully" with a police investigation.
“(I would) just like to restate my innocence,” he said.
“I stand by everything I’ve said in the Royal Commission and other places.
“We have to respect due process.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said victims of institutional child sexual abuse were “owed justice".
The 75-year-old has long denied claims made by as many as 10 alleged victims.
Among the complainants are allegations Pell abused two boys at a Ballarat swimming pool in the 1970s.
If charges are laid against Pell police might face the added challenge of extraditing him.
The Cardinal currently has diplomatic immunity.
Adults Surviving Child Abuse: 1300 657 380
Survivors and Mates Support Network: 02 8355 3711
Bravehearts: 1800 272 831
