Tag: George Pell

OPINION & ANALYSIS: Careful analysis of the full reasoning of the High Court is required to fully assess it. But, for now, this extraordinary outcome is strange justice indeed.

Court's decision to quash the child sex abuse conviction against Cardinal George Pell was unanimous.

Cardinal George Pell’s malevolent crusade against Pope Francis remains as vigorous as his disdain and notorious self-professed disinterest for victims of child sex abuse, writes TESS LAWRENCE.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Save for a successful appeal in the High Court, Pope Francis will likely expel Pell from the priesthood. The family of the second survivor is suing him and or the church for civil damages, as may others.

"I was hoping for 20 (years) but realistically I thought maybe 10, but hey, he's incarcerated, he can't hurt anybody," says victim's father.

OPINION & ANALYSIS: Anyone could easily discover Pell’s charges despite the suppression order – so what’s the point?

Australia's most senior Catholic has been convicted of serious child sex offences. The trial concluded with the verdict handed down in December, but due to a suppression order Australia's media have only been able to report on it from today.

"I am looking forward finally to having my day in court. I repeat that I am innocent of these charges. They are false," says a defiant Cardinal George Pell from the Vatican after being ordered to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

OPINION: As news of the visit to Italy by VicPol detectives richochets around the world, let's hope they bring home the joyous gift of justice after their interview with Cardinal George Pell, says TESS LAWRENCE.

Cardinal George Pell has issued a frank apology to victims of sexual abuse carried out by "priests, religious leaders and others" within the church.

Hundreds paid their respects to South African hero Nelson Mandela at a service in Sydney.

An inquiry into child sex allegations involving the Australian Catholic Church has heard it was considered possible to cure pedophile priests with counselling.

Cardinal Pell apologises to inquiry for Catholic cover-up of child sex abuse and says church will pay compensation but not huge US sums.