Child Abuse Allegations Against George Pell: What the Church and New Papacy Must Address
While the globe mourns the death of Pope Francis, renowned as being a ‘pope among the people’, it is prudent to remember his approach to the alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by Australian Cardinal George Pell.
George Pell’s Rise and Fall
George Pell was ordained as a Priest in 1966 and later became one of the highest-ranking Catholics in Australia. He participated in conclaves that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013.
However, in 2018, his career dramatically ended as he was charged with two separate counts of child sexual abuse. These acts allegedly occurred when he was the Archbishop of Melbourne, rendering him the highest-ranking Vatican official, steeped in such allegations.
A Victorian Court jury convicted him of assaulting two choristers at St Patrick’s Cathedral in the late 1990s. After serving a year in prison, the High Court overturned the decision, and he was acquitted. The High Court found that while the complainant’s evidence was deemed credible, other testimonies introduced sufficient reasonable doubt to overturn the conviction.
Acquittal and Ongoing Allegations
Although his charge was overturned, further allegations persisted. The Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse found that Pell was aware of the abuse committed by Gerald Ridsdale, a priest charged with over 130 offences, and actively worked to avoid scandal rather than address it.
In 2002, Pell was accused of abusing a 12-year-old altar boy at a youth camp. He also faced allegations of molesting boys at a Ballarat swimming pool in the 1970s when he was a priest.
The Role of the Church and Pope Francis
During the trial, Pope Francis removed Pell from his inner circle but maintained his treasury role. Shortly after Pell’s acquittal, he was personally received by Pope Francis, who likened his time in prison to Jesus’ persecution.
Despite promising accountability for clergy abuse, Pope Francis said of Pell: “he was innocent… he was a great man and we owe him many things.” Support also came from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who stated that Pell was “a very pastoral priest” capable of empathising with sinners.
Cultural Factors in Clergy Abuse
A study found that secrecy and mandatory celibacy within the patriarchal Catholic Church contributed to high rates of abuse. This culture fostered a lack of transparency, accountability, and trust.
One example is the confessional, where the Archbishop of Melbourne stated he would rather go to prison than report abuse disclosed during confession, citing religious sanctity over legal obligation.
Additionally, the taboo nature of sex and clergy privilege deterred victims from coming forward. Many lacked the language or understanding to describe what they experienced, or feared community backlash.
Looking Ahead: What the New Pope Must Confront
As Pope Leo XIV ascends to lead Catholicism, survivors and advocates hope his leadership will result in real reform.
This must go beyond child-safe procedures and mandatory reporting. It calls for a deeper cultural shift in the Catholic Church to protect children from abuse and ensure transparency and accountability within its institutions.
If You Are a Survivor of Church Abuse
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse within the Church, we encourage you to speak up. Our team understands the deeply sensitive nature of these matters and is here to support you with compassion and discretion.
Please call our office on +612 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back request form below. Your privacy and well-being are our priority, and every conversation is handled with care and respect.
