Crucial abuse hearing for top Vatican official opens in Australia
MELBOURNE — Cardinal George Pell's barrister accused police of failing to follow proper procedures as a crucial hearing opened yesterday to determine if the top Pope Francis adviser will stand trial on historical sexual offense charges.
The 76-year-old, the most senior Catholic cleric to be charged with criminal offenses linked to the Church's long-running sexual abuse scandal, denies all the claims.
He has taken leave from his role as Vatican finance chief to fight the charges, which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago. Their exact details and nature have not been made public, other than they involve "multiple complainants."
Pell, in a beige jacket on top of a black shirt with a clerical collar, arrived by car and was escorted by dozens of police as he made his way up the steps and into the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
This was in contrast to his two previous appearances at preliminary hearings — in July and October last year — when he walked from his nearby lawyer's office in chaotic scenes as he was mobbed by the media.
A small group of protesters and supporters, holding placards and signs, were outside the court.
"Go to hell George Pell," shouted Valda Ann Hogan, while a supporter, Beverly Hastie, told AFP: "I know him and he is an innocent man, a good man, a holy man and we're here to support him."
Up to 50 witnesses could be called during the committal hearing, where they will give their accounts and be cross-examined by Pell's legal team. The hearings are due to last four weeks.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington will then decide if there is sufficient evidence for the case to go to trial.
The court was open to the media for some 30 minutes before the hearing was adjourned until the afternoon when evidence from Pell's accusers is due to begin via video-link in closed proceedings.