Most senior Catholic pedophile appeals Australia convictions

The 78-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison in March

Last updated:
Cardinal George Pell  in 2017
Cardinal George Pell in 2017
Reuters

Melbourne, Australia: The most senior Catholic to be found guilty of sexually abusing children has lodged an appeal in Australia's highest court against his convictions for molesting two choirboys in a cathedral more than two decades ago.

The High Court registry confirmed that Cardinal George Pell had lodged a 12-page application on Tuesday for the seven judges to consider hearing his appeal.

A unanimous Victoria state County Court jury in December found Pope Francis' former finance minister guilty of molesting two 13-year-old choirboys in Melbourne's St. Patrick's Cathedral in the late 1990s.

The Victoria Court of Appeal last month rejected his appeal in a 2-1 ruling. Whichever side lost that appeal was expected to turn to the High Court.

The 78-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison in March.

Get Updates on Topics You Choose

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Up Next