Cardinal George Pell co-operating with police over sex offence charges

CARDINAL Pell insisted he was still co-operating with police as he left his home outside the Vatican last night as authorities prepared to press charges.

Cardinal George Pell pictured outside his home near the Vatican on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

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CARDINAL Pell insisted he was still co-operating with police as he left his home outside the Vatican last night as authorities prepared to press charges.

Asked by News Corp if he would return to fight charges if required, he replied “I am co-operating.’’

He also indicated that he was aware of a development in the inquiry was imminent, but declined to say if he expected to be charged, saying “no comment’’.

Pope Francis yesterday held a ceremony inside St Peter’s Basilica to name to five new Cardinals, which Cardinal Pell, along with all the other cardinals, had been expected to attend.

However, he was seen coming and going from his home and it is not known if he attended the event on Wednesday afternoon Rome time.

Other cardinals, who attended the service wearing distinctive scarlet robes and hats, were mobbed by selfie-seeking tourists as they left the basilica.

A member of the Vatican security team accompanied Cardinal Pell as he left his apartment. Picture: Supplied

Cardinal George Pell outside his home near the Vatican. Picture: Supplied

A member of the Vatican security team accompanied Cardinal Pell as he left the building earlier in the morning, getting into his blue station wagon and leaving his apartment just outside St Peter’s Square.

He said he had no update to provide on the police investigation.

He later returned on foot, walking from his office nearby, before leaving again, without security, giving a polite wave as he drove away.

The Cardinal’s case is due to reach court for the first time on July 18.