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Cardinal: The Rise and Fall of George Pell
George Pell is the most recognisable face of the Australian Catholic Church. He was the Ballarat boy with the film-star looks who studied at Oxford and rose through the ranks to become the Vatican's indispensable 'Treasurer'. As an outspoken defender of church orthodoxy, 'Big George's' ascendancy within the clergy was remarkable and seemingly unstoppable.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has brought to light horrific stories about sexual abuse of the most vulnerable and provoked public anger at the extent of the cover-up. George Pell has always portrayed himself as the first man in the Church to tackle the problem. But questions about what the Cardinal knew, and when, have persisted.
The nation's most prominent Catholic is now the subject of a police investigation into allegations spanning decades that he too abused children. Louise Milligan is the only Australian journalist who has been privy to the most intimate stories of complainants.
She pieces together a series of disturbing pictures of the Cardinal's knowledge and his actions, many of which are being told here for the first time.
Conspiracy or cover-up? Cardinal uncovers uncomfortable truths about a culture of sexual entitlement, abuse of trust and how ambition can silence evil.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has brought to light horrific stories about sexual abuse of the most vulnerable and provoked public anger at the extent of the cover-up. George Pell has always portrayed himself as the first man in the Church to tackle the problem. But questions about what the Cardinal knew, and when, have persisted.
The nation's most prominent Catholic is now the subject of a police investigation into allegations spanning decades that he too abused children. Louise Milligan is the only Australian journalist who has been privy to the most intimate stories of complainants.
She pieces together a series of disturbing pictures of the Cardinal's knowledge and his actions, many of which are being told here for the first time.
Conspiracy or cover-up? Cardinal uncovers uncomfortable truths about a culture of sexual entitlement, abuse of trust and how ambition can silence evil.
386 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2017
93 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Louise Milligan
4 books94 followersLouise Milligan is a multi-award-winning investigative journalist for ABC TV's Four Corners, the Australian national broadcaster's flagship current affairs documentary program. She is the author of two bestselling non-fiction books: Cardinal, The Rise and Fall of George Pell and Witness, An Investigation into the Brutal Cost of Seeking Justice. Her books have been awarded multiple prizes, including the Walkley Book Award, the Davitt Awards Best Non-Fiction Crime Book, the Melbourne Prize for Literature People's Choice Award, the Victorian Premier's Literary Award's People's Choice prize, the Sir Owen Dixon Chambers Law Reporter of the Year Award, a Press Freedom Medal and a shortlisting for the Stella Prize. Louise's journalism, particularly her coverage of historical institutional child abuse and the experience of women in the criminal justice system and parliament, has broken national and international news, sparked government inquiries and led to profound cultural change and law reform. She started her career in newspapers and is a former High Court correspondent and political reporter. Born in Ireland to an Irish mother and Scottish father, Louise moved to Australia as a child. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children. Pheasants Nest is Louise's first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 5, 2017
Is George Pell being witch-hunted? Is he, as Australia's most senior Catholic, being unfairly blamed for the sins of an entire institution? I've been wondering about this for a few years now. I've never met Cardinal Pell, although he did once refuse me communion when I accompanied a young Catholic friend to a Rainbow Sash event when he was Archbishop of Melbourne. He appears to be completely lacking in empathy or compassion when appearing in the media, but maybe he's just not a good media performer? I am biased against him because of his theology - he is an extremely traditional Catholic and I'm a female Protestant pastor. But people who hold different theologies from me are not necessarily bad people, and they're certainly not necessarily child abusers.
Reading the first few chapters of this book I realised that I knew many of the Catholics that Milligan interviewed who disagree with Pell's theology and ecclesiology. That makes sense; the religious community of Melbourne is quite small, and the Catholics who differ from Pell are going to be the ones who get involved ecumenically. So I trust their perception that Pell is combative and a bully.
It's hard to believe that anyone in the Catholic Church in Ballarat didn't know about priests and brothers abusing children. But maybe people didn't. Maybe it was too shameful a secret to be widely shared. But the people who are clear that they told Pell about child abuse when he was an auxiliary bishop seem trustworthy. It appears from their stories that Pell did know that abuse was happening at a time when he was in a senior enough position to do something about it, beyond joining in the cover-up.
Did Pell himself abuse boys, as this book alleges? I finished the book with no idea, but with the sense that he at least has a case to answer. But I can only imagine what would happen to the complainants if they had to give evidence against him in a court room. There's no doubt that Pell would use any means necessary to defend himself, and in cases of rape and sexual abuse the complainant is always put on trial. It might be better for the alleged victims if the case doesn't ever go to court. But then Pell will remain 'innocent until proven guilty' but with a cloud of suspicion hanging over him.
Milligan gives a list at the back of the book of all the key players so we can see her sources. Her book seems to be good, well-considered journalism, without an axe to grind. And it has only been through journalists airing accusations that haven't been tested in court that the Victorian Inquiry and the Royal Commission happened. But I still felt a bit uncomfortable about this book given that I do believe in 'innocent until proven guilty'.
Mostly I'm angered and sickened. The Catholic Church in Australia seriously, seriously stuffed up, and hundreds of children suffered as a result. Lots of them are now dead. It does seem to have been worse in the Catholic Church than in other churches, and maybe that is because of the way priests were formed, and the celibacy rule, and the hierarchical nature of the church. But maybe all institutions have the potential for that level of crime within them, and the difference is that the Catholic Church sought to cover up what was happening and protect the offenders, rather than calling the police on them and making sure they never again had access to potential victims. They've destroyed the faith that Australians have in all churches and in Christianity in general with their crimes; we're all tarred with their brush. So maybe I want to believe that Pell is an abuser, because I want someone punished for what happened, and he's the obvious figure-head.
That might be the case, but I still think that this is a serious book, and not a beat-up. It is worth reading.
Reading the first few chapters of this book I realised that I knew many of the Catholics that Milligan interviewed who disagree with Pell's theology and ecclesiology. That makes sense; the religious community of Melbourne is quite small, and the Catholics who differ from Pell are going to be the ones who get involved ecumenically. So I trust their perception that Pell is combative and a bully.
It's hard to believe that anyone in the Catholic Church in Ballarat didn't know about priests and brothers abusing children. But maybe people didn't. Maybe it was too shameful a secret to be widely shared. But the people who are clear that they told Pell about child abuse when he was an auxiliary bishop seem trustworthy. It appears from their stories that Pell did know that abuse was happening at a time when he was in a senior enough position to do something about it, beyond joining in the cover-up.
Did Pell himself abuse boys, as this book alleges? I finished the book with no idea, but with the sense that he at least has a case to answer. But I can only imagine what would happen to the complainants if they had to give evidence against him in a court room. There's no doubt that Pell would use any means necessary to defend himself, and in cases of rape and sexual abuse the complainant is always put on trial. It might be better for the alleged victims if the case doesn't ever go to court. But then Pell will remain 'innocent until proven guilty' but with a cloud of suspicion hanging over him.
Milligan gives a list at the back of the book of all the key players so we can see her sources. Her book seems to be good, well-considered journalism, without an axe to grind. And it has only been through journalists airing accusations that haven't been tested in court that the Victorian Inquiry and the Royal Commission happened. But I still felt a bit uncomfortable about this book given that I do believe in 'innocent until proven guilty'.
Mostly I'm angered and sickened. The Catholic Church in Australia seriously, seriously stuffed up, and hundreds of children suffered as a result. Lots of them are now dead. It does seem to have been worse in the Catholic Church than in other churches, and maybe that is because of the way priests were formed, and the celibacy rule, and the hierarchical nature of the church. But maybe all institutions have the potential for that level of crime within them, and the difference is that the Catholic Church sought to cover up what was happening and protect the offenders, rather than calling the police on them and making sure they never again had access to potential victims. They've destroyed the faith that Australians have in all churches and in Christianity in general with their crimes; we're all tarred with their brush. So maybe I want to believe that Pell is an abuser, because I want someone punished for what happened, and he's the obvious figure-head.
That might be the case, but I still think that this is a serious book, and not a beat-up. It is worth reading.
June 7, 2017
A grim and chilling examination of the appalling child abuse suffered at the hands of clergy in the Roman Catholic church, particularly in Victoria. It looks at the role that Australia's current Cardinal, George Pell, seems to have had in the condoning of it, and at the allegations that he too was an abuser.
The Cardinal is currently out of Australia working at the Vatican, and may never return to face his accusers. Meanwhile, the many victims of abuse struggle, and frequently fail to survive. The story is full of people, both men and women, whose lives were destroyed and who have committed suicide. Most heartbreaking of all is the way so many of them were not believed by their devout families - who could believe such a thing of a man of God? Just as shocking was the way in which so many other people, including police and doctors, knew that things were not right, but continued to turn a blind eye.
The book is thoroughly researched and well laid out. A terrible story, but one that needs to be told.
The Cardinal is currently out of Australia working at the Vatican, and may never return to face his accusers. Meanwhile, the many victims of abuse struggle, and frequently fail to survive. The story is full of people, both men and women, whose lives were destroyed and who have committed suicide. Most heartbreaking of all is the way so many of them were not believed by their devout families - who could believe such a thing of a man of God? Just as shocking was the way in which so many other people, including police and doctors, knew that things were not right, but continued to turn a blind eye.
The book is thoroughly researched and well laid out. A terrible story, but one that needs to be told.
July 12, 2017
This book was brilliantly investigated and written by Louise Milligan.
It matters very much to me and my family, because my brother-in-law's father, Peter, was an abuse victim. His abuse was witnessed by Cardinal Pell, but he offered no assistance when Peter and other victims approached him for support. This abuse - and the lack of support from the diocese - led to Peter taking his own life, leaving his children without a father, and grandchildren - born since - who will never know him. He was therefore not with the fellow victims who travelled to Rome - though they certainly carried his memory with them.
Louise gave my brother-in-law and his family the chance to have Peter's story heard and the capacity to give them some opportunity to really process all that happened then - and since. I can't tell you how much that matters and how important it is that the stories of those who aren't here to tell them can be heard.
Although there have been charges laid against Cardinal Pell, this is not something I can speak to - but I do know that his inaction in the wake of sexual abuse allegations against others has led to immense pain and loss for victims and their families and friends. I've seen the impact myself - and it is for that reason that I thank Louise immensely for everything she has done to ensure that these stories were brought to light.
It matters very much to me and my family, because my brother-in-law's father, Peter, was an abuse victim. His abuse was witnessed by Cardinal Pell, but he offered no assistance when Peter and other victims approached him for support. This abuse - and the lack of support from the diocese - led to Peter taking his own life, leaving his children without a father, and grandchildren - born since - who will never know him. He was therefore not with the fellow victims who travelled to Rome - though they certainly carried his memory with them.
Louise gave my brother-in-law and his family the chance to have Peter's story heard and the capacity to give them some opportunity to really process all that happened then - and since. I can't tell you how much that matters and how important it is that the stories of those who aren't here to tell them can be heard.
Although there have been charges laid against Cardinal Pell, this is not something I can speak to - but I do know that his inaction in the wake of sexual abuse allegations against others has led to immense pain and loss for victims and their families and friends. I've seen the impact myself - and it is for that reason that I thank Louise immensely for everything she has done to ensure that these stories were brought to light.
April 5, 2020
Bizarrely, this was the first book since my Coronavirus lockdown started that held my attention through the waves-of-anxiety moments. Possibly because it was a reminder that the world has always been a place of terror, and more likely it is a reminder that we can do something about that.
If you've followed the media, there is more shading than new revelations here. It is strong journalism, explaining at time labyrinthine material in ways that you don't notice it is labyrinthine. Milligan lets us see Pell through the myriad of eyes of her informants, and while it is clear she is convinced of his guilt, she never lectures us on it, but rather shows the lens that she sees.
There are hints at other books that should be written (and may well have been). Ones that look both at how the church became home to much abuse, and then why it covered it up and protected the abusers, enabling the perpetration of more abuse. Milligan hints at things she clearly suspects: the distortions to sexuality and relationships of sending teenagers to seminary, before they have matured; the obsession with celibacy blinding the church to the differences between consensual sex between adults and abuse of children, but a serious look at how this happened needs to be more than a book about one man. This book about one man, however, should be essential reading for those who claim to have an opinion.
If you've followed the media, there is more shading than new revelations here. It is strong journalism, explaining at time labyrinthine material in ways that you don't notice it is labyrinthine. Milligan lets us see Pell through the myriad of eyes of her informants, and while it is clear she is convinced of his guilt, she never lectures us on it, but rather shows the lens that she sees.
There are hints at other books that should be written (and may well have been). Ones that look both at how the church became home to much abuse, and then why it covered it up and protected the abusers, enabling the perpetration of more abuse. Milligan hints at things she clearly suspects: the distortions to sexuality and relationships of sending teenagers to seminary, before they have matured; the obsession with celibacy blinding the church to the differences between consensual sex between adults and abuse of children, but a serious look at how this happened needs to be more than a book about one man. This book about one man, however, should be essential reading for those who claim to have an opinion.
August 7, 2017
‘Truth is the child of time.’
Cardinal Pell is Australia’s most prominent Catholic. Since this book was published in May 2017, Cardinal Pell has returned to Australia to face (and to fight) multiple charges of historical sexual assault offences. He faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 26 July for a filing hearing.
I approached this book with some trepidation: I’ve read several accounts about the horrific sexual abuse suffered by children and about the effects of this abuse on those children (and their families). I’ve also read about how some of the priests were moved between parishes, thus allowing for even more children to be abused. I cannot begin to understand how the church hierarchy permitted this. And, perhaps, this is why I decided to read Ms Milligan’s book. Cardinal Pell has claimed that he was the ‘first in the world’ to introduce a sexual abuse protocol, and also claims to have not known about the abuse going on around him.
Ms Milligan certainly covers, in detail, the rise of George Pell. But I think that any talk about his fall is premature. He is after all, still a Cardinal. And he has not yet been found guilty of anything.
But I cannot warm to Cardinal Pell. I would expect a practicing Christian to demonstrate empathy for victims of abuse well ahead of any concern about legal cases, costs and consequences. I would expect a member of the clergy to want to protect the vulnerable, to be attuned to signs of distress, to investigate as to the cause(s) and act. I would not expect to read the following exchange between Gail Furness, SC and George Pell at a hearing of the Royal Commission in March 2016:
‘There is a reference in that paragraph to Father Searson stabbing to death a bird in front of the children.’ To which George Pell replied: ‘I don’t know whether the bird was already dead.’
I froze. Why on earth would it matter whether the bird was already dead? Surely, in this context, it is the behaviour of Father Searson in front of the children which is most important? What does this response say about Cardinal Pell?
I don’t want to write more about the contents of the book– the story is not yet complete – there is a court case pending. This book is uncomfortable and unsettling, but worth reading.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Cardinal Pell is Australia’s most prominent Catholic. Since this book was published in May 2017, Cardinal Pell has returned to Australia to face (and to fight) multiple charges of historical sexual assault offences. He faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 26 July for a filing hearing.
I approached this book with some trepidation: I’ve read several accounts about the horrific sexual abuse suffered by children and about the effects of this abuse on those children (and their families). I’ve also read about how some of the priests were moved between parishes, thus allowing for even more children to be abused. I cannot begin to understand how the church hierarchy permitted this. And, perhaps, this is why I decided to read Ms Milligan’s book. Cardinal Pell has claimed that he was the ‘first in the world’ to introduce a sexual abuse protocol, and also claims to have not known about the abuse going on around him.
Ms Milligan certainly covers, in detail, the rise of George Pell. But I think that any talk about his fall is premature. He is after all, still a Cardinal. And he has not yet been found guilty of anything.
But I cannot warm to Cardinal Pell. I would expect a practicing Christian to demonstrate empathy for victims of abuse well ahead of any concern about legal cases, costs and consequences. I would expect a member of the clergy to want to protect the vulnerable, to be attuned to signs of distress, to investigate as to the cause(s) and act. I would not expect to read the following exchange between Gail Furness, SC and George Pell at a hearing of the Royal Commission in March 2016:
‘There is a reference in that paragraph to Father Searson stabbing to death a bird in front of the children.’ To which George Pell replied: ‘I don’t know whether the bird was already dead.’
I froze. Why on earth would it matter whether the bird was already dead? Surely, in this context, it is the behaviour of Father Searson in front of the children which is most important? What does this response say about Cardinal Pell?
I don’t want to write more about the contents of the book– the story is not yet complete – there is a court case pending. This book is uncomfortable and unsettling, but worth reading.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 23, 2019
4.5 Stars
May 5, 2019
This is not an easy book to read. Please note that it is extremely triggering for abuse, sexual abuse, violence and sexual abuse against children.
This is hard book to write a review for me, so I won’t be writing one. Just the trigger warning above.
This is hard book to write a review for me, so I won’t be writing one. Just the trigger warning above.
June 14, 2019
Wow. It’s not a book that you can say you ‘enjoyed’ but it is an amazing piece of investigative journalism. Ms Milligan gives insight into her process of interviewing victims, as well as those who knew about what was going on. She gives both sides, and posits generous benefit of the doubt scenarios to various on the record statements by Pell. There is still so much more to this story, redacted scenarios that we have still not heard about.
The victims. Their families? What can you say? Words don’t and can’t express the feelings you have, let alone what they feel and deal with every day.
A must read, by all sides.
The victims. Their families? What can you say? Words don’t and can’t express the feelings you have, let alone what they feel and deal with every day.
A must read, by all sides.
July 13, 2017
A compelling read and great example of why investigative journalists need to continue writing books as well as producing the regular content we need. It will be interesting to watch the developments of the allegations and Victorian Police cases mentioned in the book over the coming months. If you are Catholic or were educated int he Catholic school system, you will be familiar with the descriptions of the cultural environment, congregation power structures, and interaction between the churchmen and their parishioners. Highly recommended and worth your time.
May 16, 2020
This is an exceptional piece of journalism. This is hard to read knowing Pell has been released. This book shows the toxicity of the structures within the church in the 70’s. This is at times graphic, but this story can’t be told without those details.
I’m sorry for any of those affected by the acts of George Pell.
*please note this book does not critique religion or faith - it depicts and critiques only those who abused or witnessed abuse of children *
I’m sorry for any of those affected by the acts of George Pell.
*please note this book does not critique religion or faith - it depicts and critiques only those who abused or witnessed abuse of children *
May 16, 2017
This book is a great work of investigative journalism. It's heartbreaking and a devastating portrayal of a culture of abuse and cover-up, individual stories of lives lost and broken, and a Cardinal whose actions need to be vigorously examined in a court of law.
May 1, 2018
The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
Oscar Wilde
Review
Oscar Wilde
Review
May 20, 2021
Wow, even harder to read this now knowing that Pell got acquitted
March 20, 2023
Cardinal: The Rise and Fall of George Pell was not an easy read, given its subject matter of historical child abuse and institutional cover-ups thereof, but it was certainly thought-provoking in the wake of Cardinal George Pell's recent death (February 2023).
June 25, 2017
I can't say I enjoyed the book, it is very heavy and sad subject. It is however well written and easy to read and understand. If Pell is charged with child rape in the future, they should lock him up and throw away the key.
December 1, 2017
I'm stunned and speechless.
Review
Review
May 29, 2019
This is not a book for everyone, I cannot express that enough. It is a powerful and important piece of reporting, but it goes without saying deeply, deeply upsetting. Pell is the most powerful member of the Catholic Church to ever be convicted of the sexual abuse of children. That is a bloody big deal.
The edition of this I read was from 2017 -- I would suggest there would be a later edition with a greater emphasis on Pell's trial, as part of the media ban there's only so much Mulligan can print etc. For the moment most of the content of this book deals with offences by other clergy and Pell's part as head of the Melbourne Response in hiding, minimising, and persecuting child sex abuse survivors and their families as they attempted to reach any kind of justice or healing. Mulligan does a lot to humanise survivors and show the long running impacts of their abuse on their lives, as well as showing how the church essentially victimised them again by forcing them into an expensive, vindictive arbitration process.
I don't know where I got this idea from, but prior to reading this, I kind of thought that paedophile priests put up a front of being pillars of the community, of grooming the community and the parents of their intended victims as well as the victims themselves. That they behaved with cunning and secrecy. No doubt there are offenders like that, but having read this, several of these priests were openly deranged and disturbed individuals, visibly utterly unsuitable to be anywhere near children, and would have been run out of some of these towns if they weren't under Pell's aegis -- leaving aside their sexual offensives one beats up the young priest he shares the parish house with, and leaves guns and ammunition around the house. Another shows a class of small children a dead body, and kills a bird in front of them. To be clear, I am not trying to argue that these are worse actions than sexually abusing children -- rather, that it was openly known that these priests were dangerous, threatening, violent people, and they kept their positions and access to children in some cases for decades. The impunity of it all is just genuinely shocking.
In any case this is an important book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
The edition of this I read was from 2017 -- I would suggest there would be a later edition with a greater emphasis on Pell's trial, as part of the media ban there's only so much Mulligan can print etc. For the moment most of the content of this book deals with offences by other clergy and Pell's part as head of the Melbourne Response in hiding, minimising, and persecuting child sex abuse survivors and their families as they attempted to reach any kind of justice or healing. Mulligan does a lot to humanise survivors and show the long running impacts of their abuse on their lives, as well as showing how the church essentially victimised them again by forcing them into an expensive, vindictive arbitration process.
I don't know where I got this idea from, but prior to reading this, I kind of thought that paedophile priests put up a front of being pillars of the community, of grooming the community and the parents of their intended victims as well as the victims themselves. That they behaved with cunning and secrecy. No doubt there are offenders like that, but having read this, several of these priests were openly deranged and disturbed individuals, visibly utterly unsuitable to be anywhere near children, and would have been run out of some of these towns if they weren't under Pell's aegis -- leaving aside their sexual offensives one beats up the young priest he shares the parish house with, and leaves guns and ammunition around the house. Another shows a class of small children a dead body, and kills a bird in front of them. To be clear, I am not trying to argue that these are worse actions than sexually abusing children -- rather, that it was openly known that these priests were dangerous, threatening, violent people, and they kept their positions and access to children in some cases for decades. The impunity of it all is just genuinely shocking.
In any case this is an important book, but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
February 1, 2023
I’m surprised I read this. I bought it many years back when I unexpectedly found myself listening to the author Louise Milligan speak at Byron Writers festival. I bought it because she had me in tears. Of awe and respect and of course sadness.
It’s sat there on my shelf for years and when Pell died I had the thought, if not now then when ?
The 5 stars are for the brilliant writing. The depth of research and again the honouring of all the courage that went into researching and writing along with the victims bravery in speaking up against such powerful entities as the Catholic Church.
My respect for Louise’s impeccable integrity in refusing to name her sources even when under enormous pressure from those powers. Such pressure she would risk going to jail herself rather than disclose the names of those who placed their trust in her.
It’s not an easy read. I cannot imagine it even being a book that those who’ve suffered childhood abuse would wish to necessarily visit.
For me not being someone who has suffered at the hands of clergy despite growing up Catholic it triggered anger in me. The fire in my belly that comes with injustice. I have no doubt that justice was not served to many who have suffered.
A short jail time served sure but may this man Pell never be revered in Death and may this world see a day when this kind of ‘power over’ can no longer occur.
It’s sat there on my shelf for years and when Pell died I had the thought, if not now then when ?
The 5 stars are for the brilliant writing. The depth of research and again the honouring of all the courage that went into researching and writing along with the victims bravery in speaking up against such powerful entities as the Catholic Church.
My respect for Louise’s impeccable integrity in refusing to name her sources even when under enormous pressure from those powers. Such pressure she would risk going to jail herself rather than disclose the names of those who placed their trust in her.
It’s not an easy read. I cannot imagine it even being a book that those who’ve suffered childhood abuse would wish to necessarily visit.
For me not being someone who has suffered at the hands of clergy despite growing up Catholic it triggered anger in me. The fire in my belly that comes with injustice. I have no doubt that justice was not served to many who have suffered.
A short jail time served sure but may this man Pell never be revered in Death and may this world see a day when this kind of ‘power over’ can no longer occur.
December 6, 2019
I bought this to balance out my guilt after paying entry to the Vatican museums. I was standing amidst the astounding wealth and power that is the Catholic Church in the Vatican City and Rome and I realised what an enormously powerful story this tale has become, a true David and Goliath. I was pleased to see that while the story gives some background on Pell, it is largely about the years of abuse and the victims of particular priests in Victoria, with Pell as the epicentre. The book was written prior to his conviction and the subsequent appeal being upheld by the Supreme Court (currently the high court appeal is pending). While I understood the context of these stories I had no idea the breadth of victims in Victoria, the ceaseless trauma that can be tracked to abuse and the almighty institutional failures of the Church, the police, government and families throughout these absolutely tragic tales. If you can stomach this type of story, which is so well written and obviously meticulously researched, I think it is a must read.
June 14, 2017
Certainly made me think, grapple and draw conclusions (not good) about Cardinal Pell!
July 31, 2017
Cried my eyes out when I read the list at the end the book of children's names and what had happened to them. Can see why it has been withdrawn from sale in Victoria, pending Pell's trial. Read it if you can. A tale of failed leadership, entitlement, broken trust and hypocrisy. Not to mention splitting hairs.
October 3, 2025
Fantastic work of investigative journalism and a truly harrowing read.
January 30, 2018
I didn't want to read this book but I felt it was important that I did. Once Louise Milligan won the Walkley, towards the end of 2017, I thought this book is obviously regarded as good journalism from within the Australian journalists' community, so again, despite my reluctance, I felt I should read it. I kept putting it off because I thought I might be filled with rage about the abuse and the cover ups and because I am not someone who glories in seeing the mighty fall. Before I read the book, I heard that there were charges against Cardinal Pell, as a perpetrator of child abuse, and I was surprised. I had accepted that much as I disliked his conservative agenda within the Catholic Church, and much as I disliked his lack of empathy, and was annoyed with his reluctance to come home to face the Royal Commission, I found it hard to believe that a perpetrator could rise to the level of Cardinal.
As I followed the Royal Commission through both the newspapers and the amazingly accessible and thorough documentation on their website, I had found it hard to accept his testimony that he never knew anything about the child abuse that was taking place in Ballarat while he was living there, and then while Auxiliary Archbishop of Melbourne he was 'lied to' or 'protected from the truth'. In my mind, he was clearly an arrogant, powerful man who put his own career, and the reputation of the Church above the truth. But a perpetrator? What is the institutional church doing if it can promote a child abuser?
Louise Milligan has written a detailed, thoughtful, and reasonably balanced account of the accusations against him, including well articulated portraits of the people who have accused him. As a responsible investigative journalist she includes verification of the events and facts recounted.
The book covers the history of George Pell's life from young adolescent through to his role at the Vatican, all the while reflecting on his psychological and theological development. She impressively attempts to answer the questions of what was it about the time, place and culture of the Catholic Church that resulted in both the preponderance of child abuse and the cover ups that allowed them to continue. There were shocking stories of institutional neglect, including a Melbourne Parish where for 12 years many members of the community, including adults, children and the school principal, petitioned the Archiodicese to remove a violent, scary and abusive Priest all to no avail. The priest eventually retired. Talk about being powerless in the institutional church.
We know from stories around the world, and from our own Australian stories, that the Catholic Church will hire the most aggressive legal teams and ruthlessly defend the reputation of the church at the expense of the children (who are often adults by the time they are in court). It may be a tactic that wins strategic economic victories for a besieged institution but it lacks any moral or ethical integrity. When Louise Milligan rushed to finish her book (some of that rushing is a little bit present in the editing of the book), Pell was still in Rome and she was by no means certain he would return to face the trial, but he has. His hearing of whether the claims against him should go to trial is in March 2018. There are 50 witnesses to be called. 50! I hope the police have done a good job because the Church that I can no longer respect will be 'ruthlessly defending' the indefensible.
As I followed the Royal Commission through both the newspapers and the amazingly accessible and thorough documentation on their website, I had found it hard to accept his testimony that he never knew anything about the child abuse that was taking place in Ballarat while he was living there, and then while Auxiliary Archbishop of Melbourne he was 'lied to' or 'protected from the truth'. In my mind, he was clearly an arrogant, powerful man who put his own career, and the reputation of the Church above the truth. But a perpetrator? What is the institutional church doing if it can promote a child abuser?
Louise Milligan has written a detailed, thoughtful, and reasonably balanced account of the accusations against him, including well articulated portraits of the people who have accused him. As a responsible investigative journalist she includes verification of the events and facts recounted.
The book covers the history of George Pell's life from young adolescent through to his role at the Vatican, all the while reflecting on his psychological and theological development. She impressively attempts to answer the questions of what was it about the time, place and culture of the Catholic Church that resulted in both the preponderance of child abuse and the cover ups that allowed them to continue. There were shocking stories of institutional neglect, including a Melbourne Parish where for 12 years many members of the community, including adults, children and the school principal, petitioned the Archiodicese to remove a violent, scary and abusive Priest all to no avail. The priest eventually retired. Talk about being powerless in the institutional church.
We know from stories around the world, and from our own Australian stories, that the Catholic Church will hire the most aggressive legal teams and ruthlessly defend the reputation of the church at the expense of the children (who are often adults by the time they are in court). It may be a tactic that wins strategic economic victories for a besieged institution but it lacks any moral or ethical integrity. When Louise Milligan rushed to finish her book (some of that rushing is a little bit present in the editing of the book), Pell was still in Rome and she was by no means certain he would return to face the trial, but he has. His hearing of whether the claims against him should go to trial is in March 2018. There are 50 witnesses to be called. 50! I hope the police have done a good job because the Church that I can no longer respect will be 'ruthlessly defending' the indefensible.
July 6, 2017
Milligan is an excellent journalist and has written investigative reports on the search for justice for child abuse victims and won Victoria's highest reward for her research. This is not a 'nice' book but one of dismay and outrage as one reads again and again of the damage that abuse, violent, sexual or psychological can have on little children, the coverups by the Catholic Church and the hard-line of the church Pell's style has taken. Since its publication earlier this year, Cardinal Pell has been charged with historical sexual abuse and is due to appear in Victoria in the later half of this month. He can hire the very best legal team, and has done so including an excellent criminal lawyer for his current defence needs. The saddest thing is the terrible trauma abuse inflicts on young lives and how courageous those who are willing to speak out are. Sadly with the current court case about to begin, the book has been withdrawn from libraries and bookshops.
July 3, 2017
A well researched and engaging account of the accusations against Pell, his life, and role within the Catholic Church. Milligan has certainly had amazing access to many of the key players, and based on the admissions and comments made by many high-profile Catholics, she is clearly a skilled interviewer. The author feels quite "present" in the book, but so do the many victims of clergy abuse who tell their stories. However, it's not without it's faults; the language is at times a little clunky, and the final chapters appear a bit "thin" and rushed, possibly due to recent events and the excellerated/early release of Cardinal. An interesting read, and I certainly was left with strong opinions of Pell that, given the pending criminal charges against him, I won't disclose here. 3.5 Stars.
August 4, 2022
Well, that was harrowing, and utterly enraging. To know the amount of research that went into this book, the evidence presented, the lives destroyed and lost, and then how it ultimately turned out, is devastating.
This work covers everything from institutional cover-ups, abuse of power, shame used to silence, and the psychological unravelling of victims, to the impact of abuse within a religious institution, where power and community form part of force that protect perpetrators.
It's going to take some time to digest this one. I am so sorry for what the victims have suffered and how they continue to suffer.
This work covers everything from institutional cover-ups, abuse of power, shame used to silence, and the psychological unravelling of victims, to the impact of abuse within a religious institution, where power and community form part of force that protect perpetrators.
It's going to take some time to digest this one. I am so sorry for what the victims have suffered and how they continue to suffer.
March 1, 2018
This book almost broke my spirit when I read it! Shame on you George Pell and your cronies. You should all hang your heads in absolute shame.
The disgraceful way the victims of your behavior have been treated and the loss of their lives in many cases as well as quality of life for many others.
Well done Louise Milligan for being brave enough to stand up to Pell and the Vatican and expose them for what they are!
The disgraceful way the victims of your behavior have been treated and the loss of their lives in many cases as well as quality of life for many others.
Well done Louise Milligan for being brave enough to stand up to Pell and the Vatican and expose them for what they are!
March 21, 2021
Incredible and heartbreaking. Essential reading.
September 26, 2017
Fuck George Pell
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