The Vatican treasurer was found guilty by the Melbourne court on December 11 of last year, after which his defence ceased calling for pardon through parole, at a hearing yesterday.
The guilty verdict was unanimously reached by the jury, and was subjected to a suppression order until another hearing for the cardinal had been carried out, but those charges have now been dropped.
Pell, at 77 years of age and accused of having sexually molested two boys who were members of the St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir, is the highest member of the Catholic Church to have been charged with paedophilia.
Yesterday, Judge Peter Kidd revoked the conditional bail which Pell had been enjoying, and confirmed the sentencing hearing to be fixed for March 13.
During the hearing, prosecution lawyer Mark Gibson reminded the court that each of the crimes committed by Pell calls for a penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, thus requesting “immediate incarceration” of the accused.
Defence lawyer Robert Richter presented 10 character references for Pell, including one written by former Prime Minister John Howard, as well as one by rector of the Catholic University Greg Craven, who sustained that the cardinal is a person of “profound moral depth”.
Richter has already submitted documents for appeal against the sentence, declaring the guilty verdict to be “irrational”.
Testimony regarding the impact of the abuse was also heard during the hearing, firstly from one of the two victims, and secondly from the father of the other victim, who intends to sue the Catholic Church in court in a separate hearing, after his son died five years ago from a heroin overdose.
In the meantime, following the outcome of the Australian judicial processes, the Pope has launched his own investigation and has put a series of measures in place regarding Pell, such as the prohibition of public practice by the Episcopal minister and of any contact with minors.
“The Holy See takes note of the sentence of conviction at first instance against Cardinal George Pell,” spokesperson for the Vatican, Alessandro Gisotti, declared.
“It is painful news, which, as we are well aware, has shocked many people, and not just in Australia.
“As stated on other occasions, we reiterate the utmost respect for Australian judicial authorities.
“In the name of this respect, we now await the outcome of the appeal process, recalling that Cardinal Pell has reaffirmed his innocence and has the right to defend himself to the last degree.
“Awaiting the final verdict, we join the Australian bishops in praying for all victims of abuse, reaffirming our commitment to do everything possible so that the Church is a safe house for everyone, especially children and the most vulnerable.”
Ordained a priest in Rome in 1966, Pell returned to Australia in 1971.
In 1996, he was named Archbishop of Melbourne, before becoming Archbishop of Sydney in 2001.
In 2014, he was chosen by Pope Francis to create greater transparency around the finances of the Vatican.
At the end of June 2017, he was formally accused of sexual violence against a minor.
Required to appear in court on July 26, Pell left the Secretary of Economy in the Vatican.
Pell has maintained his innocence throughout the entire process.
