I’ve watched with interest, as not only those under Pell, but Pell himself has now had a leak alleging abuse he may have allegedly perpetrated. It’s apparently a year-long police investigation which has correctly been kept under wraps. Whoever leaked it really needs to look at themselves in case Pell is proved innocent. Victims will be reticent, and the police have to be careful. These things have to be done in secrecy. Pell is not like a teacher, but like the headmasters’ chief headmaster, the number 3 in the Avoda Zora of the vatican facing allegations. The Pope is of course “infallible” so can be expected to do the right thing?
My only question is this: given the leak (which shouldn’t have happened both for Pell’s sake since he may be innocent, and the victims who may face all manner of trials and tribulations and retribution) the Pope, who nobly stands like a proud socialist, shoulder to shoulder with Palestinian “victims blaming occupation” for murderous terrorism of men, women and children, should be making an urgent enquiry to Victoria Police. If it is true that George is being investigated, the infallible pope should tap George on the shoulder and say
“stand aside until such time as your name is cleared or otherwise”
It might be a beat up, but it might very well be sadly true. I’ve read some editorials and reports, and admittedly I haven’t read many. My editorial is simply this:
Forget Pell for a minute and interview the pope and ask him if he has made discrete enquiries and then asked Pell to stand aside until the Victoria Police finish their investigation?
If not, why not? I would have thought this is an issue where victims of all faiths would either voice their opinion or travel to Rome and demand such from a pope who is meant to represent millions.
Have I missed something? Perhaps the Rabbis who engage in “interfaith dialogue” can push for this too?
pitputim 
Even if Cardinal Pell admits the mistreatment and abuse of children by the church. I’m afraid that it’s all too late, as this all occured 30 or 40 years ago.
It is ironic to think that the very people that are entrusted to look after children, such as nuns, Fathers, Brothers and other representatives of the church, both the school system and in other church activities.
It seems ironic as well this since the church, as a worldwide institution, is built on the notion that
Jesus died for the sins of all Christians. Well,
if the church is built on that notion, and drawing on the culture of abuse that occurred in the 1970’s, these two traits and modes of character and behaviour displays a conduct of double standards.
I liken the whole issue to that of a trespass or a
break-in of someone’s property. Instead of
the invasion and possibility of damage of property, in this case, this is an invasion and damage to the body and mind of the victims
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But he should stand down. Do you agree? If he’s cleared of his OWN investigation, then the Royal Commission will make recommendations about his involvement in other people’s crimes.
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It is very easy to ascertain whether George Pell should or should not stand down from his position. What we are talking about here is a
high-ranking official
of the church. We are talking about a
Cardinal who is three levels away from the papacy.
If George Pell was a low-ranging clergy,
then that would be
a different situation.
What I understand the situation to be at this moment, I think that the victims would only want that
Cardinal Pell acknowledge that sexual abuse did take place and show genuine remorse for it, rather than for Cardinal Pell to step down.
However, if the situation came up whether to stand down or not, given his position within the church, l would be reluctant for George Pell to stand aside.
Anyway, he has a different position within the Vatican
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I think you are missing my point. There is a year long investigation into PELL HIMSELF
DURING that time, he should stand down. Regarding what he knew, whether he acted against it etc, it seems clear that the world was a very different place than it is now.
It is much better now. I don’t think anyone would remotely tolerate not reporting potential abusers or having proper protocols in place.
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I would define the word Investigation as the probing orblooking into matters of an issue.
The investigation process does not presume neither innocènce nor guilt
of an individual of a person. Therefore I can’t see any reason for Cardinal Pell to step down. If there are any action or recommendations arising as a result of this investigation, that’s another issue
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George if there is an investigation what normally happens is the person takes a break and is paid. If he is guilty he gets the sack, if not he resumes. That is common practice in a he real world
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