AUSTRALIA
Herald Sun
CARDINAL George Pell looked more like a politician than a priest this week, ducking and weaving and spinning his answers to lay blame everywhere but in his own backyard.
It’s been that refusal of the church and its hierarchy to deal properly and openly with decades of accusations that has led to the widespread public cynicism and criticism it now faces.
Its official response has been minimalist and reluctant, hidden in legalese and spin, all aimed at protecting the reputation of the church first, and helping the victim second.
Pell’s public performance shows nothing has changed, and that’s not only a sad indictment on the church (not its people, who do good things every day) but a hurtful and unwise approach before the royal commission.
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