Cardinal George Pell’s only living victim has released a statement after Pell was found guilty and convicted on five counts of sexual abuse.
The highest-ranking Australian in the Catholic Church, Cardinal George Pell, raped a choirboy in the 1990s and molested another. His victims were two 13-year-old boys on scholarships at St Kevin’s College, 7 News reports.
WATCH: Cardinal Pell leaves court after being convicted of sex abuse
The media statement, released from Waller Legal, reads:
Thank you for your interest in this case.
Like many survivors I have experienced shame, loneliness, depression and struggle. Like many survivors it has taken me years to understand the impact upon my life.
At some point we realise that we trusted someone we should have feared and we fear those genuine relationship we should trust.
I would like to thank my family near and far for their support of me, and of each other.
I am a witness in a case brought by the State of Victoria. I have put my trust in the police and the criminal justice system.
The process has been stressful and it is not over yet.
I need space and time to cope with the ongoing criminal process.
I understand this is a big news story but please don’t reveal my identity.
I ask that the media respect my privacy. I don’t want to give any interviews. Please don’t come to my home. I want to protect my young family and my parents. I don’t want them swept into the spotlight.
I am not a spokesperson about child sexual abuse. There are many other survivors and advocated who bravely fill this role.
I am just a regular guy working to support and protect my family as best I can.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Cardinal Pell’s conviction was made in 2018, but the court ordered that the media could not reveal the details above until now. He is still vehemently denying the charges laid against him.
Cardinal Pell, who was Vatican treasurer and close to Pope Francis was Archbishop of Melbourne when he abused the two 13-year-old boys.
This article originally appeared on WHO
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