ABC News
July 9, 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/09/2299303.htm?section=justin
[with video]
Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell says he was not aware of tapped phone conversations where a Catholic priest admits having non-consensual sex with his victim.
He has been accused of mishandling a sexual abuse complaint made by religious teacher Anthony Jones against Sydney Priest Father Terence Goodall.
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| Cardinal Pell says he was told the assault was consensual. Photo by Paul Miller |
Police phone taps obtained by the ABC's Lateline record Father Terence Goodall admitting to victim Anthony Jones that he did not tell a church investigator his actions were consensual.
Cardinal Pell told ABC TV's 7.30 Report he was told by the abusive priest his attack was consensual and he says the phone taps may now lead him to consider re-opening the investigation.
"I'd certainly take legal advice I've always said I'm happy to talk with Jones, and if this new information is verified, I'd certainly talk with him on a new basis," he said.
Tune into ABC1's Lateline at 10.30pm for the new evidence.
Cardinal Pell told the 7.30 Report that until he sees the phone tap evidence, he believes Mr Jones was not sexually assaulted by Father Goodall, but that the act was consenual.
"I don't know who was lying. It's very, very difficult to find out the truth in these situations," he said.
"I acted to the best of knowledge. My judgement was vindicated when the prosecutors (in the case) never alleged rape (under old legislation)."
Cardinal Pell has also revealed that he gave an audience to Father Goodall, but did not afford the same opportunity to Mr Jones
"I wrote to Jones and see I'm the superior of the priest I've always got to be open to speak with the priest, especially if I'm telling him that it's likely his time as a priest is over I've got to to speak to him," he said.
Cardinal Pell said it is an extraordinary coincidence that the matter has arrisen days before Pope Benedict arrives for World Youth Day in Sydney.
But he said it does not taint the celebrations.
"It's a coincidence isn't it ... That things have been brought up just before the Pope comes. But ... you have to cope with life as it comes," he said.
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