AUSTRALIA
Independent Australia

Given the high degree of scrutiny applied to Pell by the commission and the media, Father Frank Brennan argues that it’s only fair his lawyers cross examine the two victims and that the hearing be public so we can all make our assessments of recollection and credibility.

THE ROYAL Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is about to recommence its case study on the Catholic Church in Ballarat. Last week, the Melbourne Herald Sun reported:

‘Victims of child sexual abuse look set to be grilled by lawyers for Cardinal George Pell in a bid to quash explosive allegations he was complicit in a widespread cover-up.’

Cardinal Pell will have legal representation separate from the legal team appearing for the Church. He will return from Rome and give evidence at the public hearing next month.

I am one of those Catholic priests who thinks that…