Inquiry into archbishop abuse claims

Pell: Says allegations "a smear of the most vindictive kind"

By Red Harrison BBC correspondent in Sydney

Authorities within the Roman Catholic Church in Australia have begun a secret inquiry into allegations that the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Doctor George Pell, sexually abused a twelve-year-old boy during a camping holiday 40 years ago.

Dr Pell, who denies the allegation, has stood aside from his official position until the enquiry is completed.

The Church appointed a retired judge of the Australian Supreme Court to investigate the allegations and report to a committee headed by the Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson.

But no other details have been made public.

'Smear'

There are suggestions the inquiry might last three days, but lawyers for Dr Pell and the complainant, who is now 53 years old, have been instructed not to reveal where the inquiry is being held, and not to reveal the identity of the man who claims he was abused.

According to the terms of reference, no information about anything said at this inquiry can be made public without the written consent of both Dr Pell and his alleged victim.

It will be up to Archbishop Wilson to decide if the Church committee's final report can be released.

Dr Pell has described the charges against him as evil, vindictive and full of lies.

"I have taken a leading role in condemning and exposing sexual abuse within the Catholic Church," Dr Pell said after the allegations surfaced.

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

In recent years, the archbishop has taken a prominent role in investigating allegations of child abuse in the Church and in providing counselling and compensation for victims.