Tim Minchin Tells Cardinal George Pell to "Get on His Knees" and Wash Child Sex Abuse Survivors" Feet As They Fly to Rome to Hear His Testimony to the Royal Commission

By Matt Ogilvie
Daily Mail
February 25, 2016

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3465410/Tim-Minchin-tells-Cardinal-George-Pell-wash-Ballarat-child-sex-abuse-victims-feet-Rome.html

British-Australian comedian Tim Minchin has penned another scathing piece directed at Cardinal George Pell.

In a letter published by The West Australian, Minchin praised the generosity of the Australian public who helped fund fifteen Australian child sex abuse survivors to fly to Rome to listen to Cardinal Pell give evidence at the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

'These incredibly brave men and women will sit in a room with George Pell while he gives evidence via video-link to the Royal Commission. We hope that he will look them in the eye and tell them everything he knew.

Comedian Tim Minchin has call Cardinal Pell 'scum' and a 'coward' in the scathing song

Cardinal George Pell has hit back at a scathing song penned by comedian Tim Minchin urging the most senior member of the Catholic Church in Australia to come home

'I personally believe it would be appropriate for him to get on his knees and wash their feet,' wrote Minchin.

Earlier this month, Minchin released a scathing charity-song urging the most senior member of the Catholic Church in Australia to come home from Rome and 'face the music', or all proceeds from the song would fund the Ballarat survivor's travel costs to the Italian capital city.

'I have great admiration for the survivors and their loved ones who have campaigned for years to have their voices heard. They have fought against a hugely wealthy institution that has a vested interest in quieting and discrediting them. (Pell’s lawyer reportedly costs $20,000.00 per day),' wrote Minchin.

In the expletive-filled charity single, 'Come Home, Cardinal Pell', Minchin calls Cardinal Pell 'scum' and 'a coward.'

A statement released by Cardinal Pell's office on February 18, claims a lot of 'incorrect information' has surfaced and Cardinal Pell has always 'considered himself [an] ally' to the victims.

Minchin says the song's proceeds will go towards funding trips for child sex abuse survivors to go to Rome and sit in front of Cardinal Pell as he gives his evidence from Rome

'As Cardinal Pell has done after earlier hearings, he is prepared to meet with and listen to victims and express his ongoing support,' the statement said.

'The Cardinal will continue to cooperate with whatever arrangements the royal commission determines, so that he can be heard on the days and at the times recently set by the commissioner.'

The statement went on to say he is 'anxious' to present the facts 'without further delays.'

Cardinal Pell is currently in Rome and claims he is too ill to fly to front the commission, but will testify via video-link from Rome.

He has been under fire since allegations emerged about him turning a blind eye to the abuse in Ballarat, in central Victoria.

In Minchin's signature tongue-in-cheek fashion, he admits he is not the 'biggest fan' of Pell's religion and did not hold back his feelings by adding: 'I personally believe that those who cover up abuse should go to prison.'

He added: 'Your time is running out to atone, Georgie. I think the Lord is calling ya home, Georgie.

'Perhaps he could forgive even you if you just let them know what you knew.'

Following the song's release, media personality Meshel Laurie set up a gofundme page for the campaign, which has raised over $200,000.

Mr Minchin labels Australia's most senior Catholic a 'scum' and a 'god damn coward' for not attending the hearing as it 'stinks to the high heaven'