Vatican Treasurer Cardinal George Pell convicted of child sex offenses, lifted court order reveals
One of the most powerful men in the Roman Catholic Church was found guilty of multiple historical child sex offenses at a secret trial in Melbourne in December, the existence of which can only now be revealed.
In court the accuser told the jury how Pell, then Archbishop of Melbourne, discovered the two choirboys drinking wine in the priest's sacristy, a small room at the back of the cathedral. Pell has repeatedly maintained his innocence. His legal team confirmed on Tuesday they had filed an appeal against the guilty verdict.
Pell's attorney Richter said only a"mad man would attempt to rape boys" at such a time. But the victim told the court that's exactly what happened. Pell's lawyer Richter argued strongly the attack was impossible. He said the boys couldn't have run off without being seen and Pell would have been talking to parishioners after the service.
It was the second time Pell had faced court on this set of charges. An earlier, unreported trial in August had resulted in a hung jury after almost six days of deliberations.Cardinal George Pell officiates the opening mass of World Youth Day , in Sydney on July 15, 2008.
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