The Vatican has responded to the Court of Appeal’s decision to deny George Pell’s bid for freedom as Australia’s highest ranking member of the Catholic Church failed to have his appeal against child sex convictions dismissed in court.
By a majority of two to one, Victoria’s Supreme Court dismissed the appeal earlier today, ordering Pell to “return to prison”.
“He will continue to serve his sentence of six years’ imprisonment,” Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said.
“He will remain eligible to apply for parole after he has served three years and eight months of the sentence.”
In a statement this afternoon, the Vatican “reiterated its respect for the Australian judicial system” and acknowledged “the court’s decision to dismiss Cardinal Pell’s appeal”.
“As the proceedings continue to develop, the Holy See recalls that the Cardinal has always maintained his innocence throughout the judicial process and that it is his right to appeal to the High Court,” the Vatican said.
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