The Vatican’s most senior woman says the Catholic Church has “failed” victims of child abuse, and the church must become more modern and inclusive to stay relevant. 

Key points:

• Census data from 2021 indicated 43 per cent of Australians identify as Christian
• This is down from 52 per cent in 2016
• The largest group describing themselves as having ‘no religion’ are people under 39

Sister Nathalie Becquart, the first woman to receive voting rights in the Synod of Bishops, is on a tour of Australian Catholic dioceses, advocating for the church to listen more to its congregation.

Her visit to Sydney and Parramatta coincides with the funeral of Australia’s most senior Catholic Cardinal George Pell, an event she did not attend due to prior speaking commitments. 

Sr Becquart, 53, said fiery protests outside the funeral showed people were understandably angry at the church for its handling of institutional child sexual…