Australian authorities interrogate Cardinal Pell over child abuse cases

Victims unsatisfied, want to meet with Pope next.

Australian victims of clerical sexual abuse are requesting a meeting with Pope Francis following testimony from a high-ranking Church official that left them unsatisfied. Cardinal George Pell was questioned in Rome by Australian officials who traveled there to question him directly.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Cardinal George Pell is the Vatican's treasurer. Prior to his appointment to the Vatican he served in Australia and was responsible for overseeing many priests who have subsequently been accused of, or imprisoned for, child sexual abuse.

Under his watch, victims alleged, Pell covered up the accusations, moving priests to other parishes, sending them to ineffective counseling sessions, and even attempting to bribe some of the victims to remain silent.

Pell has denied some of the specific accusations, such as bribery claims, but did admit that "enormous mistakes" and "catastrophic" decisions were made. At least one suicide has been linked to the abuse.

Pell was interviewed in Rome after claiming that a heart condition made it hazardous for him to fly to Australia. Officials from Australia's Royal Commission unto Institutional Response to Child Sex Abuse flew to a hotel in Rome where they conducted four days of questioning. The officials were joined by at least 15 victims who traveled to Rome to hear answers for why they were denied justice for so long.

Pell repeatedly claimed that he could not remember specific of many cases.

The victims released a statement during their visit, calling on Pope Francis to meet with them. Part of their statement read: "This is about children. Children who were abused and damaged in the past. ... We would like to request a meeting to discuss the commitment to the children of the past and children of the future, to implement systems so that this is never repeated again."

The Pope has not yet replied to their request. However, Pope Francis has taken strong measures to weed out abusive priests. He has met with many victims an advocacy groups and has warned Church officials not to protect individuals accused of crimes.

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