Cardinal George Pell will now consider re-opening a church investigation of convicted priest Father Terrence Goodall, after phone taps recorded him admitting he forced himself upon his victim.
In the phone conversation Father Goodall is heard telling his accuser Anthony Jones he didn't tell church investigators he'd consented to a 1982 sexual encounter.
The conversation undermines Cardinal Pell's claims there wasn't enough evidence of rape, which he based on Father Goodall's denials.
But Dr Pell says he had no knowledge of the conversations, and he will now seek legal advice.
“I don’t know who was lying, it’s very, very difficult to try to find out the truth in these situations.
“It’s very difficult to try to be just, not only to those making the allegations but to those accused… I acted to the best of my knowledge.”