An inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse by the head of the Catholic Church in Australia started today.
The church has appointed former Victorian Supreme Court judge Alec Southwell to investigate claims by a man that Sydney Catholic Archbishop George Pell abused him 40 years ago when he 12 years old.
Archbishop Pell, who has stood aside from his position while the investigation is carried out, has denied the allegations, describing them as "lies".
The inquiry is being held in private and its location is secret.
The terms of reference for the inquiry say information obtained during the hearings will not be released by the commissioner without the written consent of both parties, unless he is compelled by law to do so.
It also says chairmen Archbishop Philip Wilson and Brother Michael Hill may make public all or part of the commissioner's report if they consider it appropriate.
The inquiry is being conducted under the Catholic church's "Towards Healing" process, designed to handle accusations of sexual abuse brought against the Catholic clergy.
AFP