Crowdfunding helps victims to hear Pell

Cardinal Pell grew up in Ballarat and at one point lived with Risdale, “one of the most prolific (and allegedly protected) paedophiles in Australian history”, Minchin writes on his website.

“And years later, when survivors, despite their shame and their fear stood up to tell their stories, I mean, with all due respect, dude, I think you’re scum”.

“Come home Cardinal Pell, come down from your citadel, it’s just the right thing to do, we have a right to know what you knew“.

Australian child sex abuse victims are on Tuesday preparing to fly to Rome, with a plan to watch Cardinal George Pell give evidence via videolink to Australia’s Royal Commission into child abuse within the Catholic Church.

The GoFundMe crowdfunding page was created on February 14 by comedian Meshel Laurie and television host Gorgi Coghlan, with the aim to raise A$55,000 (US$38,993) to send 15 survivors, support staff and representatives from Ballarat over to Rome, where they want to hear Pell give evidence in a public forum. It is lovely here you should come home.

He sings: “I hear that you’ve been poorly I am sorry that you’re feeling blue”.

Broadcaster Steve Price, who was a panellist on the Network Ten show last night, said that he thought the song was abusive of Pell.

He said the entertainer’s song was “disgusting” and disrespectful.

“He has called him a coward, scum and a buffoon”.

Former New South Wales Labor premier and Catholic Kristina Keneally said the song moved her more than she realised initially. He is a Cardinal, regardless of what you make of it. And i think those who cover up abuse should go too prison.

Spokesman David Ridsdale – a nephew and victim of Australia’s worst pedophile priest Gerald Francis Ridsdale – said he was not sure if the group would still go if they weren’t allowed to be in the same room as Cardinal Pell.

The Cardinal said he was prepared to meet with the victims, as he had done after previous hearings.

It also noted that the Cardinal had appeared before a Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations.

The song garnered swift support on social media, with listeners commending Minchin for standing up to the church.

“Oh Cardinal Pell my lawyer just called to tell me this song could get me in legal trouble“. I think the Lord is calling ya home, Georgie.