Statement by Dr George Pell rega

Certain allegations have been made about my conduct when I was a seminarian over 40 years ago.

The allegations against me are lies and I deny them totally and utterly.

The alleged events never happened. I repeat, emphatically, that the allegations are false.

An independent inquiry to investigate these allegations has been set up by Archbishop Philip Wilson, Acting Co-Chairman of the National Committee for Professional Standards, which supervises the Church's "Towards Healing" protocols. The inquiry will be conducted, I understand, by a retired Victorian Supreme Court judge.

I will, of course, co-operate with this independent inquiry in every way possible - frankly, openly, and unreservedly.

For the good of the Church and to preserve the dignity of the office of Archbishop, I will take leave from today as Archbishop of Sydney until the inquiry is completed.

I repeat that the allegations are lies and that I am determined to refute them.

I welcome the inquiry and a chance to clear my name, recognising that I am not above civil and Church law.

I have taken a leading role in condemning and exposing sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in Australia. Six years ago in Melbourne I set up Australia's first Independent Commission to inquire into sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy.

To allege that I am now personally implicated in this evil is a smear of the most vindictive kind.

I truly wish I could say more right now. However, it is important that I do not say anything that could be seen to prejudice the inquiry. Therefore, I am unable to make further comment.

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