AUSTRALIA
The Age
Catholic Church spent millions providing for paedophile priests
January 10, 2016
Chris Vedelago, Cameron Houston
The archdiocese of Melbourne funnelled nearly $200,000 to a suspected paedophile after he fled overseas, funding his “retirement” for nearly a decade while he was hiding from authorities.
Father Ronald Pickering, who is known to have abused at least 16 children, successfully evaded justice in Australia and died in Britain in 2009.
In early 1993, Pickering “retired” from his Melbourne parish and fled to England in the face of mounting allegations of sexual abuse.
Despite being personally aware of complaints as early as 1986, then Melbourne Archbishop Frank Little ordered Pickering’s retirement entitlements be boosted in the wake of his impromptu departure.
“At this time the Archbishop does not intend appointing Father Pickering as Pastor Emeritus. However, he would appreciate your regarding Father Pickering, in this exceptional case, as qualifying for receipt of those monies which would normally be granted to PEs,” the Priests Retirement Foundation was instructed.
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