Guilty: The Conviction of Cardinal Pell (2019)
In 2019, the Four Corners documentary titled Guilty: The Conviction of Cardinal Pell dives into the gripping saga surrounding Cardinal George Pell, Australia’s highest-ranking Catholic.
The film cracked the events that led to his shocking conviction for sexual offenses against two teenage boys. Here’s a detailed synopsis:
Cardinal Pell, a man entrenched in the upper echelons of the Catholic hierarchy, believed himself untouchable.
However, the truth emerged when allegations came forward, revealing a dark chapter within the Church. The documentary sheds light on the suppressed story of the victims, who had suffered in silence.
The central figures in this harrowing tale finally broke their silence. A former choirboy, who had endured unimaginable trauma, expressed his disgust at the entire situation.
His words echoed the sentiments of many who felt betrayed by the institution they had once revered. Even a father, whose son had been let down by the system, voiced his disappointment.
Louise Milligan, the fearless reporter, played a key role in bringing Cardinal Pell to justice.
Her investigation peeled back the layers of secrecy, exposing the Cardinal’s actions within St. Patrick’s Cathedral during his tenure as Archbishop of Melbourne. The jury’s unanimous verdict found him guilty of five offenses, a revelation that shook the foundations of faith and trust.
However, justice is a complex tapestry. In April 2020, the High Court overturned Cardinal Pell’s convictions on all charges, leaving the world shocked.