Melbourne: A court in Melbourne, Australia, on July 26 witnessed one of its most chaotic scenes when a senior Vatican official appeared to face sexual abuse charges.
Cardinal George Pell, Pope Francis’s top financial adviser and the topmost Vatican official ever charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, has denied the charges against him.
He made his first appearance at a court since he was charged with multiple historical sex offences in June.
Full details of the charges faced by the 76-year-old prelate have not yet been released to the public but there are multiple complainants in the case.
The cardinal, Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic, did not say anything during his court appearance at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Although no formal plea was entered, his lawyer told the court that he planned to plead not guilty.
“For the avoidance of doubt and because of the interest, I might indicate that Cardinal Pell pleads not guilty to all charges and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has,” lawyer Robert Richter told the court in comments reported by The Age newspaper.
“For the avoidance of doubt … Cardinal Pell will plead not guilty to all charges, and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has,” Richter said.
In one of the most chaotic scenes ever witnessed at the court, it almost took longer for Cardinal Pell to walk the 100m to his lawyer’s offices following his appearance than the eight minute hearing itself, report agencies.
He was flanked by a dozen police who tried to hold crowds and media at bay, and largely managed to shield the Cardinal as media threw questions and some onlookers hurled abuse.
There were also supporters of Pell outside court, one lady holding a sign saying, “Thank you for helping my family.”
At one point police were forced to stop traffic on Lonsdale St as chaotic scenes escalated.
After arriving at the chambers more than a dozen police formed a human shield blocking the entrance to the building.
About an hour after the hearing more than 20 police remained outside Richter’s chambers. Cardinal Pell was driven from the office shortly after 11 am.
During the hearing Magistrate Duncan Reynolds read a prepared statement because of the high interest in the case.
He outlined the purpose of the hearing, flagging it as a purely administrative hearing.
Senior prosecutor, Andrew Tinney, SC, also read a statement to the court, stressing the need for “fair and accurate reporting” by media.
Prosecutors have until September 8 to prepare their brief of evidence, but Tinney said it was likely the brief would be served by next week.
A committal mention date has been set for October 6.
Dressed in a black overcoat, the cardinal stared at the ground for much of the walk to the court steps.
After a standard security check he walked into the court building.
Prior to the short hearing he took his seat in Court 2 and stared straight ahead.
Cardinal Pell briefly nodded at his official spokeswoman, Archdiocese of Sydney spokeswoman Katrina Lee.
Pell wore his usual clerical clothes, black suit and collar for today’s hearing.
When he was charged with historical sex offences last month the cardinal said he was looking forward to having his day in court in a bid to prove his innocence.
His hearing is historic for the Catholic Church which has been rocked by the criminal proceedings against the Vatican official.
The court opened about 8.30am with media slowly making their way inside the court building.
Protesters holding posters, masks and messages were on the steps of the court.
Protester Brian Jones said whatever the outcome, he hoped justice would “finally be served.”
“I’m here supporting my friend who was born in a Catholic country,” Jones said.
Sex abuse survivor Brian Cherrie said victims and their supporters would be relieved the cardinal was fronting court in person.
“It’s relief for a lot people,” Cherrie said.
“We need the truth.”