March 08, 2016
March 08, 2016 - PRESSADVANTAGE -
AbuseGuardian.com reports on new testimony from one of the most powerful clergymen in the Catholic Church; Vatican Treasurer Cardinal George Pell. Pell testified via video link in Rome to the Royal Commission in Australia on Sunday, February 28th, 2016 regarding sexual abuse allegations in the church.
The Cardinal’s health prevented him from traveling to Australia, so he volunteered to testify via video. This spurred a huge crowdfunding campaign to raise money for travel expenses for several alleged abuse survivors to travel to Rome and be present in the city where Pell would be testifying. The commission is investigating whether Pell responded appropriately to the allegations of sexual abuse in the church when he served as a senior priest and vicar in a diocese near Melbourne from 1973 to 1983.
During the time when he presided, a notoriously dangerous priest preyed on children and was convicted of abusing over 50 within three decades. Pell stated during testimony that he was usually “inclined to accept” priests’ denials of wrongdoing, and was critical of the Church for not taking effective action to prevent large amounts of suffering from occurring. He has denied prior knowledge of any pedophile priests, and stated: “The Church has made enormous mistakes and is working to remedy those, but the Church, in many places, certainly in Australia, has mucked things up, has let people down.”
Many of the alleged abuse survivors who had traveled long distances to be present for the testimony seem disappointed in the lack of action from the Catholic Church. A parent of a survivor commented that he’d “...rather see things changing for the future than continue looking to the past.” In a statement released from his office, Pell expressed that he supports the Royal Commission’s work and hopes that the upcoming days “...will eventually lead to healing for everyone.”
Brian Kent, Esq. of Laffey Bucci & Kent is aware of the devastation that sexual assault can cause victims. He comments on the recent testimony, stating: “The Catholic Church has reportedly been able to hide known abusers from government and the public, so this testimony is a small step in the right direction, however, there is clearly much more that needs to be done for the victims of these unthinkable acts. It is imperative that victims of these vicious attacks receive support, and that we work as a society to prevent further assaults from occurring.” Kent and his firm currently represent several clients in claims of sexual assault.
To ask questions, or to obtain more information regarding potential sexual assault claims, please contact Attorney Brian Kent by calling 866-577-2786.
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AbuseGuardian.com is a resource to help those who were sexually abused learn that they may have remedies under the law for financial compensation. AbuseGuardian.com is sponsored by Laffey, Bucci & Kent
Brian Kent
1435 Walnut St #700
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(866) 577-2786
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