Pell's world: deceit, crimes and cover-ups

DAY THREE: WHAT CARDINAL GEORGE PELL TOLD THE COMMISSION

A WORLD OF CRIMES AND COVER-UPS

Cardinal Pell told the commission he was deceived by the Catholic Education Office (CEO), the archbishop of Melbourne and the bishop of Ballarat, who all failed to reveal what information they had about pedophile priests and brothers.

"It's an extraordinary position, Cardinal," said counsel assisting the commission Gail Furness SC.

"Counsel, this was an extraordinary world - a world of crimes and cover-ups and people who did not want the status quo to be disturbed," Cardinal Pell replied.

IMPLAUSIBLE, AGAIN

Ms Furness put it to Cardinal Pell his evidence that he didn't know of abuse allegations was "completely implausible". He said the CEO didn't reveal information it had about pedophile priest Peter Searson because the authorities feared "I would not accept the status quo".

On Tuesday, Ms Furness also suggested the cardinal's evidence about his ignorance of offences in Ballarat was "implausible".

UNFORTUNATE RUMOURS

Cardinal Pell said he heard "unfortunate rumours" about Ballarat Christian Brother Edward Dowlan in the 1970s, including rumours of sexual activity with young children, but he was unconcerned by Dowlan being moved to another school.

"I didn't know exactly what he was accused of, but 40 years ago, or more than 40 years ago, I did not think that was unusual or inappropriate," he said.

THE ARCHBISHOP'S BLIND SPOT

Cardinal Pell was "strongly critical" of former Melbourne archbishop Frank Little, whom he agreed had a "blind spot" when it came to handling priests suspected of sexual abuse of children. He told the commission he was deceived by Archbishop Little, who did not reveal complaints he had received about Fr Searson.

SEEKING A MEETING WITH POPE FRANCIS

Survivors of abuse who travelled to Rome to witness Cardinal Pell give evidence say they no longer want an audience with the cardinal - instead they want to speak to Pope Francis about reforming the church to ensure children are protected from abuse in the future.

"George Pell has made it very clear he does not have the ability, the power or the interest to do any of those things, so we need to speak to the boss," said survivor group spokesman David Ridsdale.

FIVE THOUSAND VICTIMS

Commission chair Justice Peter McClellan said the commission had spoken to almost 5000 child sex abuse survivors and many victims didn't want to go through the criminal justice system.

Mr McClellan said the church had a responsibility to deal with allegations irrespective of whether police took action and parents often didn't want children to have to give evidence in court.

"Whatever be the position of parents, that doesn't relieve the church of the obligation to deal with priests who are incapable of acting appropriately with children in their parishes, doesn't it?" he asked.

Cardinal Pell replied: "That does not not relieve the church of such an obligation but it is a factor in how you can go forward effectively."