[size=7]Heart condition improving then, George? Cardinal Pell pictured tucking into steak, chips and beer in a Roman piazza - weeks after claiming he was 'too ill' to come home to face child sex abuse royal commission[/size]
By FRANK COLETTA FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
PUBLISHED: 17:06 EST, 10 May 2016 | UPDATED: 18:08 EST, 10 May 2016


Cardinal George Pell risked a heart attack if he flew home to Australia to face questioning at the Child Abuse Royal Commission earlier this year but that hasn't stopped him tucking into hearty meals of steak and chips.

Australia's most senior Catholic has been pictured strolling through Piazza Navona in Rome with a colleague before they sit down at the Domiziano restaurant to enjoy a beer.

Cardinal Pell, 74, submitted a two-page medical report in February which stated a flight to Australia to give evidence would severely impact his health and possibly lead to 'heart failure'.

He was allowed to provide testimony via video link and concluded his evidence on March 3. The images of Pell eating the heavy meal and drinking a beer were taken six weeks later, on April 18.