Groups across a wide spectrum reacted with dismay and concern to passage of a law in the Australian state of Victoria to ban “conversion” practices. Some called it an attack on freedom of religion and speech.
Australia
Vatican Financial Is Reform Going in the Right Direction, Cardinal Pell Says
Australian Cardinal George Pell, formerly the Vatican’s top official on financial affairs, said he believes the pope’s recent reforms signal progress, and called for additional competent laypeople to be involved in the process.
Cardinal Pell Speaks Out About Prison, Trump, and the Role of a Retired Pope
At the virtual launch of his new book, Cardinal George Pell opened up about what his time in prison before acquitted of charges of sexual abuse was like, and he also offered an evaluation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s time in office as well as the need for a set of clear rules when a pope retires.
Australia’s Bishops Seeking ‘Whole-of-Church’ Approach for Child Protection
Plans are moving forward for the establishment of a national system for child protection within the Australian Catholic Church, according to a report following the meeting of the country’s Catholic bishops earlier this month.
Analysis: Why the Vatican Might Want to Send a Thank-You Note to Australia’s High Court
Obviously, the primary beneficiary of Tuesday’s decision by Australia’s High Court to overturn the sexual abuse conviction of Cardinal George Pell is Pell himself. The 78-year-old prelate was definitively acquitted and is now a free man after more than 400 days in prison, mostly in solitary confinement.
Cardinal Pell Appeals Abuse Convictions to Australian High Court
Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Catholic cleric to be convicted of child abuse offenses, has lodged an application with Australia’s High Court to appeal his guilty verdict.
Australia Court to Announce Ruling on Pell’s Appeal of Abuse Convictions
On August 20, the Victoria state Court of Appeal will determine the fate of Cardinal George Pell, one of Catholic Church’s highest ranking members in Australia.
Pell Seeks to Appeal Abuse Convictions in Australia State Court
Australian Cardinal George Pell, who was convicted of sexually abusing two choir boys more than 20 years ago, began his court appeal of the conviction on Wednesday June 5.
Australian Prelate Convicted of Failing to Report Sexual Abuse
Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide, who faces a maximum penalty of two years in jail for failing to inform police about child sexual abuse allegations, said he is disappointed at the court’s verdict.