George indifferent Pell heard talk of sexual abuse by priests, but 'rarely allowed' rumors

In evidence to the Royal Commission of Australia in child sexual abuse, the cardinal acknowledged in a greater degree than before he had heard some complaints of abuse in the diocese of Ballarat, writes David Marr

Pell has shifted ground. The news of his last season in the picture of the royal commission on institutional responses to child sexual abuse is that it was not deaf and not blind in the old days in Ballarat.

The Cardinal took no body shots in the box. He endured interrogation by Gail Furness SC, the lawyer assisting the Commission, with almost perfect calm. His power did not fail him. In his leathery voice answered again and again, "That's right."

Much of his testimony was familiar. He expressed regret. He condemned the failings of the church he left the original sin instead of "the divine structure of the church dating back to the New Testament."

But he brought something new to the Albergo Quirinale: admissions had heard rumors of priests who abuse children in the diocese of Ballarat. He had heard complaints. He even admitted to knowing of priests kissing and swim naked with children.

I was not completely out of touch.

Since his last appearance in the box, Pell has hired a team of lawyers premier. Perhaps I have decided to reflect more deeply on his years in Ballarat when he returned from Oxford with a great career ahead of the church.

"My memory is sometimes fallible," he told the commission. But there seems to be much more than was supposed. This is encouraging. And the details he gave on Monday Pell save the fate of simply being disbelieved.

He had heard rumors. Parents raised the issue of abuse with him. So did one or two students. Even the priests talked about it, not gossip - gossip Pell still regrets - but at the same time "discussing church life."

Discuss the sexual proclivities of each was asked Furness? For the Cardinal replied with a hint of reproach: "I indulged very rarely in any of those discussions."

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