John Howard's glowing character reference for George Pell revealed
Former Australian prime minister John Howard has provided a glowing character reference for disgraced Cardinal George Pell, who was convicted of child sexual offences in December.
In the letter directed to the Melbourne County Court dated February 26, Howard described the high-profile Catholic cleric as "a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character".
Howard wrote, "I am aware he has been convicted of those charges; that an appeal against the conviction has been lodged and that he maintains his innocence in respect of these charges. None of these matters alter my opinion of the Cardinal."
He explained that he first met Pell about 30 years ago, when the latter was working in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
"Cardinal Pell is a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character. Strength and sincerity have always been features of his personality. I have always found him to be lacking hypocrisy and cant. In his chosen vocation he has frequently displayed much courage and held to his values and beliefs, irrespective of the prevailing wisdom of the time.
"It is my view that he has dedicated his life to his nation and his church."
Since the news about the character reference emerged, Howard had kept his comments on the case to a minimum.
"[Pell] continues to declare his innocence, and has lodged an appeal," Howard told 9News on Thursday morning.
"In those circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to make any comment at all and I do not intend to do so."
Howard is one of the 10 people who provided character references for Pell. Lawyer Robert Richter QC said these people – T.K. Tobin, Sue Buckingham, Anne McFarlane, Chris Meney, Greg Craven, Elsie Heiss, Katrina Potter, Daniel Casey and Michael Casey – do not believe that Pell "is capable of these offences" either.
Former Channel Ten newsreader Katrina Lee has also shown support for Pell, staying by his side throughout the trial on Tuesday.
According to News.com.au, Howard’s stance seemed to be in contrast with current PM Scott Morrison, who reportedly is looking to strip the cardinal of his Order of Australia honour.
In December, Pell was found guilty of five counts of child sex charges committed in 1996 against two 13-year-old choirboys.
On Wednesday, Pell withdrew his bail application as prosecutors told the court that the 77-year-old "has shown no remorse" about his crimes and he spent the night in jail on February 27.
The Vatican has also confirmed that it is investigating Pell's case, which could see the Australian cleric dismissed from priesthood.