Cardinal George Pell will have his name removed from a building and struck from an honours board at his former school following the news that he was convicted of five child sex offences in December of last year.
The news only surfaced in Australian media today after a suppression order was dropped as it was determined that a second case against Pell was no longer going ahead. In response, Richmond FC dropped Pell as a Vice Patron of the club, while several prominent figures have been calling for his Order of Australia to be rescinded.
In a statement, headmaster John Crowley of St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, said that although Pell intends to appeal his conviction, it is still inappropriate for the school to honour him. “The jury’s verdict demonstrates that Cardinal Pell’s behaviours have not met the standards we expect of those we honour as role models for the young men we educate,” Crowley said. “The statement we issued in 2016 specifically identifies unacceptable behaviours which do not align with our expectations around child safety.”
“The College aims at every opportunity to fulfil our mission of raising fine boys to the status of great men. The College also remains ever mindful of the victims and survivors who require our ongoing care, solidarity and support.
“The building which was formerly known as the Pell Wing, will be renamed the Waterford Wing, recognising the home of the Blessed Edmund Rice.”
In addition to having his name crossed out on the honour board, the school has said that they will “revoke his status as an inducted Legend of the school“.
Pell will face a pre-sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
