Cardinal George Pell unlikely to return to Vatican City

POPE Francis has offered guarded support for Cardinal George Pell but Vatican insiders are already preparing to pension off the Catholic Church’s finance minister.

Clouds hang over St. Peter's Basilica at Vatican City on Thursday, the same day it is announced Cardinal George Pell will face charges over sex offences. Picture: AP/Gregorio Borgia

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POPE Francis on Thursday night offered guarded support for Cardinal George Pell, while expressing respect for the Australian judicial system that will decide his fate.

But Vatican insiders are already preparing to pension off Cardinal George Pell, regardless of the outcome of the case involving historic sex offences.

The Herald Sun has been told it is highly unlikely that Cardinal Pell, who was promoted to the Vatican three years ago to reform its multi- billion euro real estate and financial portfolio, will return to Rome in his high-profile role.

Pope Francis, while supportive of Cardinal Pell, is seeking to fend off his harshest critics and minimise any reputational damage to the church.

WHAT PELL CHARGES MEAN FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pope Francis celebrates a mass on Thursday. Picture: AFP/ Alberto Pizzoli

Pope Francis greets Cardinal George Pell in October, 2015. Picture: Franco Origlia/Getty Images

In a statement read by his media officer, Greg Burke, Pope Francis said: “The Holy See expresses its respect for the Australian justice system, which will have to decide the merits of the questions raised.

“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.

“He has co-operated in the past with Australian authorities — for example, in his deposition before the royal commission; he has supported the pontifical commission for the protection of minors; and finally, as a diocesan bishop in Australia, has introduced systems and procedures both for the protection of minors and to provide assistance to victims of abuse,’’ the statement read.

On Thursday night, Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart, a friend of Cardinal Pell for more than 50 years, called for the presumption of innocence in relation to the charges.

“Cardinal Pell, like all Australians, is entitled to a fair trial,” he said.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher asked people to pray for the Catholic Church.

“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.

“Where complaints of abuse are made, victims should be listened to with respect and compassion, and their complaints investigated and dealt with according to law.

“No one should be prejudged because of their high profile, religious convictions, or positions on social issues,” the archbishop said.

“The justice and compassion we all seek for victims of abuse includes getting to the truth of such allegations. We must now allow the impartial pursuit of justice,” he said.

Cardinal George Pell insists he is innocent of sex offances. Picture: AFP/Alberto Pizzoli

Archbishop Fisher said the archdiocese would not pay legal bills arising from the charges, but would assist with the cardinal’s accommodation and support on his return.

The Catholic Church could be forced to fork out for an expensive trip if doctors decide that Cardinal Pell is too ill to fly on a standard plane.

Last year, he gave evidence to the royal commission via videolink from Rome after his lawyers argued his heart condition was not compatible with a long flight.

Cardinal Pell could take a lengthy boat trip from Europe to Australia.

Or he could be “medivacced” on a private jet, for about $15,000 an hour — more than $350,000 for a 24-hour trip.

Australian National University professor of international law Donald Rothwell said the cost would not have to be borne by taxpayers.

“He is the subject of a summons, so it is his responsibility to appear at the court,” he said.

But he said it was common for defendants to miss early court proceedings, which would open the door for a boat trip that could take months.

The case will put pressure on the Pope to enact further church reform, beyond previous slow changes, in regard to the sex abuse scandal.

Victims’ groups have long called for the church hierarchy to have an open, transparent and cohesive system in dealing with child sex allegations.

Despite recent apologies, individual bishops around the globe still have overarching control in dealing with child sexual abuse complaints.

The Vatican has been accused of putting priests’ rights before child victims’, and even of protecting priests.

Just last month Pope Francis said the Vatican was dealing with a backlog of 2000 claims of sex abuse.

Three days after last Christmas, he sent a letter to all bishops, denouncing child sexual abuse as a “sin that shames us’’ and which must be rooted out.

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

However, at the age of 76 Cardinal Pell is already a year past the normal retirement age, which would offer the church a ready explanation should it decide to dispense with his services.

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