The Catholic Church in Australia, which issues statements on Pell's behalf, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the charges. "It is important to note that none of the allegations that have been made against Cardinal Pell have, obviously, been tested in any court yet," Patton told reporters in Melbourne. "Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process. "So if the pope was to say, 'Well look, Cardinal Pell, I'd like you to return to Australia and mount a defense,' I'm sure Cardinal Pell would probably follow that instruction. In the case of someone like Cardinal Pell, the sway that the pope and the church has over him is much greater than the ordinary citizen.

Source: Times of India June 29, 2017 00:56 UTC