From the court decision overturning Cdl. Pell’s convictions:
“… there ought to have been a reasonable doubt as to the applicant’s [Cdl. Pell’s] guilt”.
“… the full bench was unanimous in allowing his appeal.”
Cardinal Pell’s Statement
Vatican Statement
Apparently there is an error in that the statement released seems to be the one the Vatican issued last year regarding denial of appeal. Waiting for correction, I want to say that the Church should use the opportunity not only to be supportive of abuse victims, but also to recognize that a person falsely accused is also a victim. Running rough-shod over anyone’s rights (as seemed to be the case in many elements of the Pell case, like having only one accuser and no witnesses, and gagging the court observers in the first instance case) usually means the person doing so has something to hide.
NEW INFORMATION: Following said acquittal, Pope Francis offered Mass the next morning for “those who suffer from unjust sentences.” NPR reported that the Pope said: “I would like to pray today for all those people who suffer unjust sentences resulting from intransigence (against them),” the pope said, speaking before the start of the Mass. He did not mention Pell by name.”
Cleansing Fire Links
Here are some of the prior links on the Cardinal Pell Story:
Further Updates:
https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/cardinal-pells-acquittal-corrected-many-legal-errors
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