Allegations dismissed

Sydney

Allegations of sexual assault against Australia?s most senior Catholic leader, Archbishop George Pell of Sydney, could not be substantiated, a church-appointed inquiry has concluded.

Both Archbishop Pell and his accuser claimed vindication from the findings. Archbishop Pell said the inquiry?s head, retired Supreme Court judge Alec Southwell ?had gone as far as the terms of reference allowed him to go in exonerating me.?

But the findings did not categorically dismiss the allegations by the complainant, whose name was not released in the inquiry.

The retired judge said he was not satisfied the complaint could be established.

Archbishop Pell has resumed his duties as archbishop of Sydney. He had stepped down in August pending the result of the inquiry.