Cardinal Pell Welcomes Royal Commission

9 News
November 12, 2012

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2012/11/12/21/00/cardinal-pell-welcomes-royal-commission

Australia's most senior Catholic believes the royal commission announced on Monday will uncover the truth about the child sex abuse scandal.

Cardinal George Pell, who has previously said he believes his church has been unfairly targeted due to "anti-Catholic prejudice", said he hoped the new investigation would clear the air.

"Public opinion remains unconvinced that the Catholic church has dealt adequately with sexual abuse," he said in a statement on Monday night.

"Ongoing and at times one-sided media coverage has deepened this uncertainty. This is one of the reasons for my support for this royal commission.

"I welcome the prime minister's announcement. I believe the air should be cleared and the truth uncovered. We shall cooperate fully with the royal commission."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Cardinal Pell had indicated to her that he was taking a "very co-operative attitude" to the royal commission.