Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot visits Cardinal George Pell in prison

The former Prime Minister said he was just visiting a friend.
The former Prime Minister said he was just visiting a friend. Photo credit: Getty.

Former Prime Minister, Tony Abbot has visited the cell of convicted child abuser Cardinal George Pell.

The man was declared guilty in March and was sentenced to six years imprisonment for abusing two 13-year-old choirboys in 1996.

The disgraced Cardinal is being held in Melbourne Assessment Prison, Australia.

 

Local media reported the Former Prime Minister met the Cardinal for 'about 50 minutes'. 

"Look, I was simply visiting a friend, that's all," Abbott told Seven News. 

Earlier this year Abbot called the convicted paedophile a "fine man" and has taken criticism for supporting Pell despite the cardinal's guilty verdict. 

Abbott, who is also a firm believer in the Catholic church, revealed earlier this year that he had a phone conversation with Pell following the jury's decision. 

Former Senator Derryn Hinch described Abbot's visit to Pell, as a "disgrace and a cruel insult to his victims."