The head of the Catholic Church in Australia has fiercely denied claims of a sexual abuse cover-up.
Anthony Jones wrote to Cardinal George Pell in 2003 telling him Father Terrance Goodall abused him at the age of 29 in a Sydney presbytery
Cardinal Pell told Mr Jones his claims hadn’t been substantiated, because there were no other complaints – despite on the same day confirming similar allegations were made by another man.
The Sydney Archbishop says the letter was a mistake, given he had confirmed all allegations against Father Goodall - except rape.
He says he's apologised to Mr Jones for the oversight.
"The letter to Mr Jones was badly worded and a mistake," he conceded.
"I was attempting to inform him that there was no other allegation of rape. And I overstated my agreement with [Church Investigator, Howard] Murray, who found all other allegations sustained."
Cardinal Pell has admitted it’s an embarrassment, given the Pope’s visit in just a few days.