Pope puts in good word for his man

POPE Francis has made both his, and the Church’s position clear in regards to supporting Cardinal George Pell, who was promoted to the Vatican three years ago to reform its multi billion-dollar real estate and financial portfolio.

He offered an extraordinary character pitch for his no.3 man – reinforcing Cardinal Pell’s outspoken abhorrence of child abuse and that his work included introducing systems in Australia to protect minors and providing assistance to victims of abuse.

But Vatican insiders are already preparing to pension off Cardinal George Pell regardless of the outcome of his upcoming court case.

News Corp Australia has been told it is highly unlikely Cardinal Pell will return to Rome in his high profile role.

In a statement read by his media officer Greg Burke, Pope Francis said: “The Holy See expresses its respect for the Australian justice system. At the same time it is important to recall Cardinal Pell has openly and repeatedly condemned as immoral and intolerable, the acts of abuse against minors.”

Last night, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher asked people to pray for the Catholic Church and described the Cardinal as a “man of integrity”.

He said the Archdiocese would assist with Cardinal Pell’s accommodation and support when he returned to Australia but would not pay his legal bills.

“The George Pell I know is a man of integrity in his dealings with others, a man of faith and high ideals, a thoroughly decent man,” he said.

“The justice and compassion we all seek for victims of abuse includes getting to the truth of such allegations.”

Officially Cardinal Pell has been given leave of absence to fight the charges.