The reaction of Pope Francis after experiencing the conviction of one of his closest cardinals for sexual assault

Pope Francis confirmed Tuesday the prohibition of the public exercise of the priestly ministry and contacts, in any form whatsoever, with minors to the cardinal George Pell found guilty of badual abuse of minors, according to the Vatican.

"To guarantee the course of justice, the pope has confirmed the precautionary measures already disposed to Cardinal Pell since his return to Australia, that is to say pending the final confirmation of the facts, it is prudently forbidden for Pell to publicly practice the priestly ministry and as a general rule, to contact minors in any way, "said Vatican Acting Spokesman Alessandro Gisotti.

In the official statement, the Vatican says to join the "respect for Australian judicial authorities"Declared by the President of the Australian Episcopal Conference on the sentence addressed to the prefect of the economic secretariat," number 3 "in the hierarchy of the Vatican and which had been ruled out" for reasons of age "in December of the Council of Cardinals (the so-called C9) that helps the pope.

"In the name of this respect, now, we are waiting for the outcome of the appeal process, recalling that Cardinal Pell has reaffirmed his innocence and that he has the right to defend himself to the utmost degree. Pending the final judgment – continues the statement – we join the Australian Bishops in praying for all the victims of violence, reaffirming our commitment to do all we can to make the Church a safe place for all, especially for children and more vulnerable, "reads the note.

According to the sentence, published in December, but which was announced Tuesday, he raped a 13 year old boy from a choir in the 1990s and badually badaulted another of the same age at the prestigious St Kevins School.

Pell is on probation but could be detained on Wednesday. The Australian court will have to determine the sentence that should be announced in the first half of March and incurs a sentence of about 10 years in prison.

"To our knowledge, this is a painful news that has shocked many people, not just Australia. As we have done before, we reaffirm our deep respect for the Australian judicial authorities", announced the Vatican in a statement read by his spokesman, Alessandro Gisotti.

On June 29, 2017, Francisco granted Cardinal Pell an absence permit in order to defend himself against the charges. Since then, the Cardinal has not been able to badume his responsibilities as prefect of the Ministry of Economy, but he still maintains it.

The cardinal, who will turn 78 in June, is currently a member of the Congregation for Bishops, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and the Council. pontifical for promotion. of the new evangelization.

(With EFE information)