'Prayer was the great source of strength for me': Cardinal Pell awaits Easter

After more than 14 months in prison, Cardinal George Pell said he was always confident of the High Court's decision that acquitted him of all charges and released him from jail on April 7.

Shortly after his release from prison, the cardinal told CNA that although he maintained his faith, he would eventually be acquitted, he tried not to be "too optimistic".

On Tuesday morning, the High Court issued its decision, consenting to Cardinal Pell's request for a special appeal, quashing his convictions for sexual abuse and ordering him to be acquitted of all charges.

When the decision was announced by the court, several hundred miles away the cardinal watched from his cell in the HM Barwon prison, south-west of Melbourne.

"I was watching television news in my cell when the news came," Pell told CNA in an exclusive interview shortly after its release on Tuesday.

“Firstly, I heard that the leave was granted and then that the sentences were canceled. I thought, 'Well, it's great. I'm delighted.'"

"Of course, there was no one to talk to about it until my legal team arrived," said Pell.

"However, I heard a big round of applause somewhere inside the prison and then the other three inmates next to me made it clear that they were happy for me."

After his release, Pell said he spent the afternoon in a quiet location in Melbourne, and enjoyed a steak for his first "free" meal in over 400 days.

"What I really can't wait to celebrate a private mass," Pell told CNA before he had the opportunity to do it. "It's been a long time, so this is a great blessing."

The cardinal told CNA that he had lived in prison as a "long retreat" and a moment of reflection, writing and, above all, prayer.

"Prayer has been the great source of strength for me in these times, including the prayers of others, and I am incredibly grateful to all those people who prayed for me and helped me in this truly challenging time."

The cardinal said that the number of letters and cards he received from people both in Australia and overseas was "quite overwhelming".

"I really want to thank them sincerely."

In a public statement at the time of his release, Pell offered his solidarity to the victims of sexual abuse.

"I have no ill will for my accuser," Pell said in that statement. “I don't want my absolution to add to the wound and bitterness that many feel; there is certainly enough pain and bitterness. "

"The only basis for long-term healing is truth and the only basis for justice is truth, because justice means truth for all."

On Tuesday the cardinal told CNA that while he rejoices in his life as a free man and prepares for Holy Week, he focuses on what awaits us, especially Easter, and not behind it.

"At this stage I don't want to comment further on the past few years, just to say that I have always said that I am innocent of such crimes," he said.

“Holy Week is obviously the most important moment in our Church, so I am particularly glad that this decision came when it did. The Easter triduum, so central to our faith, will be even more special for me this year. "