Church in Oceania

Guam worries as sailors from virus-hit ship take over hotels; priest says not an issue
- Apr 13, 2020
People in Guam are used to a constant U.S. military presence on the strategic Pacific island, but some are nervous as hundreds of sailors from a coronavirus-stricken Navy aircraft carrier flood into hotels for quarantine. Officials insist they have enforced strict safety measures.

By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher
New Zealand bishops: COVID-19 lockdown shows ‘we have been seduced by busyness’
- Apr 12, 2020
Catholic bishops in New Zealand wrote a special pastoral letter to worshippers stuck at home, comparing the country’s lockdown to the Biblical story of Easter.

By Associated Press
Survivors won’t be ignored, expert says after Pell acquittal
- Apr 9, 2020
German Jesuit Father Hans Zollner has acknowledged that the decision of Australia’s top court to acquit Cardinal George Pell of child abuse might make it harder for victims to come forward, stressing that while justice must be respected, survivors should also be supported and believed.

By Elise Ann Allen

After Pell verdict, Pope prays for ‘all persons who suffer an unjust sentence’
- Apr 7, 2020
On the day that Cardinal George Pell was acquitted by Australia’s High Court on charges of sexual abuse, Pope Francis opened his daily Mass by praying for “all persons who suffer an unjust sentence because of intransigence.”

By Crux Staff
Pell acquitted of abuse charges and will be released from Australian prison
- Apr 6, 2020
NEW YORK — Australia’s highest court unanimously acquitted Cardinal George Pell of child abuse on Tuesday, marking a stunning turn of events for the 78-year-old prelate who had previously been the most senior Catholic official to be found guilty of sexual abuse. The reverse decision comes after Pell was convicted

By Christopher White
Australia’s highest court to judge cardinal’s abuse appeal
- Apr 6, 2020
Australia’s highest court on Tuesday will judge Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against convictions for molesting two teenage choirboys more than two decades ago. But the legal battle over the world’s most senior Catholic convicted of sexually abusing children may not end there.

By Rod McGuirk