“Freedom of the press in the world will cease to exist if a judge in one country is allowed to bar publication of information anywhere in the world.” Martin Baron, Executive Editor, The Washington Post, Dec 13, 2018 It had been shrouded in secrecy akin to the deepest conspiracy, but the trial of Cardinal George Pell, while not letting[Read More...]
“The world is watching.” Cathy Kezelman, Blue Knot Foundation president, The Washington Post, Jul 25, 2017 The show on Wednesday was grim, busy, crowded. Cardinal George Pell, the highest Vatican official thus far to be brought within the legal fold of accusation and accountability for historical crimes of sex abuse, fronted for the briefest of shows at a lowly[Read More...]
The Catholic Church, much in the manner of a modern corporation, is a sprawling edifice of operations and functions. To hold part of it accountable for abuses – against human, bank account, or country – has presented a formidable legal obstacle.
This nightmare has taken place amidst a broader question: the extent Church officials believe they are accountable to secular justice, or those ordained by the Church itself. St. Augustine’s point was clear enough: of the two sovereignties – that of the City of Man, or that of God – the latter would prevail.
Cardinal George Pell, who is the Vatican treasurer, has been charged with sexual-assault crimes. For decades, he has been accused of covering up child molestation and rape cases involving the clergy. [...]
