Australian Cardinal admits fear of scandal motivated abuse cover-up

A top ranking Cardinal in Australia has said fear of scandal prompted the cover-up of child sex abuse allegations within the Catholic Church.

George Pell was speaking at an inquiry into child sex abuse in the state.

The Cardinal has denied being personally involved in the cover-up of paedophile priests, but said it is clear it happened and he said he is fully apologetic and absolutely sorry.

The probe has already heard around 620 children were criminally abused by Catholic clergy from the 1930s onwards.