21 Aug 2019 06:19

The Bishop of Ballarat said he hopes the failure to overturn George Pell's child sex convictions will bring some closure to a community that has suffered through a "terrible history of abuse".

Pell grew up, went to school and later serve at a parish in Ballarat, in Victoria's Central Highlands.

In a statement today, Paul Bird, Bishop of Ballarat acknowledged the "special impact" of Pell's downfall on those in his community.

The Victorian Supreme Court early today dismissed Pell's appeal of his conviction that he sexually two 13-year-old boys in Melbourne in 1996.

"The outcome of Cardinal Pell's appeal against his conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges is the culmination of months of uncertainty during which many people in our community have experienced conflicting emotions," Bishop Bird said.

"I recognize that the whole process of the trial, conviction and appeal have been distressing for many in the community, particularly for victims and survivors of abuse and their families. Publicity and discussion of sexual abuse often causes pain for victims of any abuse and this will be an extremely difficult time for many.

"There is a special impact on those of us who live in Ballarat because of Cardinal Pell's connections with this city.

"This is also a troubling time for our Catholic community throughout the whole Ballarat diocese, not only because of Cardinal Pell's connections with our diocese but also because the entire Church community is again confronted by the terrible history of abuse of children and the breach of trust that the abuse involved.