Rapist Priest 'Among the Worst of Them'

9 News
May 27, 2013

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/27/21/14/rapist-priest-among-the-worst-of-them

The priest and the church stole part of their souls and shattered their lives.

Melbourne priest Kevin O'Donnell, who raped Anthony and Christine Foster's two daughters while they were in primary school, was "certainly among the worst of them", Australia's most senior Catholic admits.

But Cardinal George Pell drew the line at extending the family's description of the impact of O'Donnell's actions to all victims of clergy abuse, sparking an angry response from some in the public gallery at Victoria's abuse inquiry.

"I understand people feel deeply about this," the Sydney archbishop and former Melbourne archbishop said.

"There's no doubt whatsoever about the terrible spiritual and emotional turmoil that he produced. It's totally reprehensible."

The terrible things that were done had ruined people's lives, he said.

"I'd do anything to be able to provide some healing in that way but I'm not sure that it's helpful to extend that radical condemnation without giving book, chapter and verse."

Cardinal Pell says he set up the Melbourne Response system for dealing with abuse complaints while he was Melbourne archbishop to help, and stood down "plus or minus" 20 priests in his five years in the role.

"I believe that the Melbourne Response has made a significant impact, providing justice and in stopping this thing going on.

"Unfortunately with these people that are so wounded it's very very difficult to help them.

"God knows we'd like to be able to in some way."

Anthony Foster said he was "offended" by Cardinal Pell's claim he was for victims, because they were not supported by his actions.

He said the church needed to change and become a public entity so it could be sued.

The inquiry heard that during a meeting with the Foster family it is alleged Cardinal Pell said, "I hope you can substantiate that in court."

Cardinal Pell said he had no recollection of saying that.

Asked if during the same meeting he had remarked, "She's changed hasn't she?" when shown a photo of one of the Foster girls who had slashed her wrists, he replied, "Probably."

"You have got to understand the production of this photo was something sudden," he said.

"I didn't have time for a considered response."

Cardinal Pell was described by Mr Foster as having a sociopathic lack of understanding.

He says that comment was a pretty big call after a 20-minute meeting.