The most influential cardinal in the Vatican went to prison for pedophilia

Cardinal George Pell abused his power and showed “astonishing arrogance,” a court verdict in Melbourne said. He is guilty of sexual abuse of minors, writes DW.

Фото: Depositphotos

Former head of the Vatican Economy Secretariat, Cardinal George Pell, was sentenced by the District Court of the Australian state of Victoria in Melbourne to six years in prison for sexual abuse of minors. Pella Sentence Text published on Wednesday, 13 March, on the website of the court.

Cardinal Pell, 77, abused his power and showed “astonishing arrogance,” the sentence handed down by Judge Peter Kyd said. Considering the age of the convict, the sentence imposed on him cannot be considered insignificant, the judge emphasized. Pell can't apply for early release until three years and eight months later.

Cardinal #GeorgePell X-NUMX years and X-NUMX months. pic.twitter.com/F4ej9kiKmv

- Sunrise (@ sunriseon7) March 13, 2019

Pell, who was considered the third official in the Catholic Church at the time, was accused of sexual harassment in June 2017 of the year in several episodes. The investigation of the claims was conducted since July 2016, when it became known that Pell could be involved in the seduction of minors.

At the same time, the cardinal appealed to the Pope Francis with a request to temporarily release him from his post so that he could prove his innocence.

Pell described himself as the victim of "relentless discredit". His lawyer later issued a statement that Pell considers himself innocent of all charges.

However, in December 2018, Cardinal Pell was convicted of sexually assaulting two boys from the 12 and 13 church choirs in 1996-1997 years, when the cardinal was assistant bishop of Melbourne. Only one of them testified against Pella, the second died of drug overdose in 2014 year.

In February 2019, Pell was arrested by court order. According to the prosecution, he faces up to 50 years in prison. Pell was the most senior member of the Vatican, faced with similar charges.

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