Vatican Finance Chief George Pell Faces March Hearing over Sex-abuse Charges

By Robb M. Stewart
Wall Street Journal
October 5, 2017

https://www.wsj.com/articles/vatican-finance-chief-george-pell-faces-march-hearing-over-sex-abuse-charges-1507256728

Australian court allows lawyers for the cardinal to cross-examine witnesses named by prosecution

Lawyers for Cardinal George Pell, one of the most senior officials in the Vatican, will cross-examine dozens of witnesses called by prosecutors accusing him of historical sexual offenses in Australia.

Cardinal Pell, who is Pope Francis’ finance chief, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a 20-minute procedural hearing. Magistrate Belinda Wellington agreed to a four-week committal hearing from March 5, during which the court will decide if there is enough evidence to progress the matter.