Vatican to open own investigation into accusations against Pell

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WORLD NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2019 / 6:41 AM / UPDATED 10 HOURS AGO

Vatican to open own investigation into accusations against Pell

Philip Pullella
4 MIN READ

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican is opening its own investigation into accusations against Cardinal George Pell, who was found guilty of sexual abuse of minors in his native Australia, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

The move means that Pell, who maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict, could be dismissed from the priesthood if the Vatican’s doctrinal department also finds him guilty.

The Pell conviction has been particularly embarrassing for the Vatican and Pope Francis, coming just two days after the end of a major meeting of Church leaders on how to better tackle the abuse of children by clergy.

The 77-year-old Pell, a former top Vatican official, will spend his first night behind bars on Wednesday after he was remanded in custody pending sentencing for sexually abusing two choir boys in Australia two decades ago.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-abuse-pell-vatican/vatican-to-open-own-investigation-into-accusations-against-pell-idUSKCN1QG1JQ

[Major Nikon]

1. They knew about the allegations at least 15 years ago

And now they decide it’s time to investigate.

[MineralMan]

2. Systemic corruption.

What else is hidden?

[trotsky]

3. The cynic in me says they'll use this "investigation" to "show" that the abuse was limited...

and that Pell's conviction brings everything to a conclusion. Nothing left to see here, everyone move along.

[MineralMan]

4. Besides, it was just "plain vanilla sexual penetration," according

to Pell's lawyer. No big deal, really. Child sexual abuse is a human characteristic, right? Why is everyone so upset?

[trotsky]

5. It's chilling that we live in a world where you are simply echoing what people have actually said.

Makes me wonder if we are simply doomed on this issue.

[MineralMan]

6. We are not doomed as long as there are people who will call out

such things and point out the willful sophistry of such statements. As long as there are people who speak up and condemn such nonsense, we are not doomed. As long as we refuse to allow false defenses and whataboutisms to alter our perceptions, we are not doomed.

[Act_of_Reparation]

7. The Vatican is open to investigating itself.

Wow. I'm sure they'll turn up some very insightful and self-reflective shit.