Archbishop of Melbourne reaches out to George Pell victim

Archbishop of Melbourne says he’s willing to meet the man who accused George Pell of molesting him in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli says he’ willing to meet George Pell’s accuser. Picture: Aaron Francis.

The Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, says he is willing to meet George Pell’s sexual abuse victim.

“He sees his task as archbishop as being to bring the Lord to all people, accusers and accused,” a spokesman for the archbishop said yesterday.

Pell was found guilty in December of five sexual assault offences: one count of sexual penetration with a child under 16 and four counts of indecent acts with or in the presence of a child under 16.

He was convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage boys in the sacristy of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne in 1996. One of those victims died five years ago.

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Archbishop Comensoli, who describes himself as a friend to Pell, has also offered to visit him in prison and offer him mass and the sacraments, including the Holy Eucharist.

Following the announcement of Pell’s conviction on Tuesday, the archbishop released a statement acknowledging the judgment, but saying that he joined “many people who have been surprised and shaken by the outcome”.

“I fully respect the ongoing judicial process, noting that Cardinal Pell continues to protest his innocence. An appeal against the verdict has been lodged. It is important that we now await the outcome of this appeal, respectful of the ongoing legal proceedings,” he said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all victims who have been abused by clergy, religious and lay people in the archdiocese of Melbourne at this challenging time, and I renew my personal commitment to do all I can to ensure victims of such abuse in Melbourne receive justice and healing.”