How did Cardinal George Pell's hometown of Ballarat react to his guilty verdict?
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The Courier reached out to a number of people and groups affected by the outcome of the court trial.
See below to revisit how Ballarat reacted when the news broke.
3.10pm - statement from Bishop Paul Bird
Ballarat Bishop has spoken up about Pell's conviction.
In a brief, written statement, Bishop Bird said Pell's conviction was "particularly disturbing".
It read:
The news of Cardinal Pell's conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges is particularly disturbing to the people of our diocese of Ballarat where George Pell grew up and where he served in his early years.
I express my sympathies to all those who are distressed by this news, including those who have suffered so much because of abuse.
Cardinal Pell has lodged an appeal. I do not intend to make any further comment on the case while the appeal process is ongoing.
We will continue to offer help to anyone who has suffered abuse. We will also continue our commitment to keeping children safe today.
3pm - statement from the mayor
City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh expressed her ongoing support for the clergy sexual abuse survivors in Ballarat.
The impact of clergy sexual abuse has been far-reaching in Ballarat and caused so much hurt to many people and their families, she said in a statement.
However, while I understand the legal need to have a suppression order on George Pells trial verdict, it is good to have it finally lifted so crimes that have been covered up for far too long can be revealed.
Institutions need to appropriately acknowledge the hurt that has been caused within their walls.
We need to openly discuss and talk about these serious matters, so we can all heal together as a community.
2.50pm - ACU's Pell Centre to keep name for now
The Courier has just contacted the Australian Catholic University (ACU) to find out if they are going to take the same action as St Patrick's College (see 1.50pm update).
A spokesperson for the university said that the Pell Centre at its Ballarat campus will not change its name for now. In a statement, they said:
Australian Catholic University is aware of a finding made by a Victorian jury against Cardinal George Pell.
The University respects the judicial process and will not be making any comment until all legal avenues including any appeal have been concluded.
2.40pm - The Ballarat charges
Just to recap, Pell was due to face another trial, charged with molesting boys at the Eureka swimming pool during the 1970s while he was a priest in Ballarat.
That trial has been abandoned and the charges were dropped, signalling the end of a suppression order that prevented the media from reporting on the guilty verdict of the trial that took place in December.
On Tuesday, prosecutor Fran Dalziel, SC, told the court the trial involving the swimmers would no longer go ahead because there was not enough admissable evidence to proceed.
1.50pm - St Patrick's College to change building name
St Patrick's College has released a statement saying a building will be renamed.
The statement read:
"In response to a County Court jurys verdict finding Cardinal George Pell guilty of sexual offences against young choirboys in Melbourne, St Patricks College, Ballarat will today remove his name from a building which had been named in his honour," it reads.
"In addition the College will revoke his status as an inducted Legend of the school and a line will be struck through his name on a College honour board listing ordained former students.
"Cardinal George Pell is an Old Collegian of St Patricks College who attended school here from 1949 to 1959. The above honours were bestowed upon him in recognition of his years of service to the Catholic Church.
"Todays actions are in line with Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) protocols for the removal of names from buildings and places of honour, and are consistent with the Colleges statement, issued in conjunction with EREA, in December 2016.
"Headmaster John Crowley said that he acknowledged Cardinal Pell may appeal the verdict, but as it currently stands, the College must respond to the jurys findings. The College reserves the right to revisit this decision.
"'Mr Crowley said the College aims to role model the highest possible standards of behaviour to students entrusted to its care," he said.
'The jurys verdict demonstrates that Cardinal Pells behaviours have not met the standards we expect of those we honour as role models for the young men we educate, Mr 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."
1.30pm - Bishop not in Ballarat
Ballarat's Roman Catholic Bishop Paul Bird was away from the city today, as was the Vicar-General Kevin Maloney.
Taking mass at midday today was Bishop Ballarat Vicar-General Justin Driscoll.
The Courier spoke to him just before he was due to give the service, and asked him if he was going to mention Pell's conviction.
He said he still was not sure and that it was a very difficult one to approach.
The Catholic Diocese has been contacted for comment.
1pm - Parishioners express support
Outside midday mass at St Patricks Cathedral in Ballarat Central today, the majority of parishioners were defensive of Cardinal George Pell.
I find it incredibly hard to believe [the accusations of sexual abuse], said one attendee, who said he had been a parishioner at the cathedral for 35 years.
I used to be an altar boy for an archbishop myself, and I just cant see it happening.
In a hotel, perhaps, but not in the cathedral itself. Theres always people around.
Most parishioners were unwilling to give their names or speak to The Courier but one woman described it as a sad day as she walked up the cathedral steps.
Another remonstrated saying it was "disgusting" for The Courier to be trying to talk to parishioners on church grounds. "A lot of the people here grew up with George Pell. There's a time and a place. You need to have some respect."
You [The Courier] have run him down all the way, another declared. Why dont you go and talk to the mafia?
Another said she believed Pell had been badly treated but would not elaborate on why.
The only parishioner who would go the record was Kevin Curran, a parishioner of the cathedral for the past 60 years.
Its the media that is the problem, he said, saying that he believed Pell was innocent.
"[The media says] hes guilty until proven innocent.
I was an altar boy myself years ago and I was never touched. Never. I know its gone on, I wont deny that, but I am totally disgusted.
Only one person spoke in strong terms against Pell.
A man who was about to go through the cathedral doors to mass said he wanted him to rot in hell.
12.25pm - Lawyers release statement
Cardinal Pell's lawyers have released a statement:
"Cardinal George Pell has always maintained his innocence and continues to do so," it reads.
"An appeal has been lodged against his conviction and he will await the outcome of the appeal process.
"Although originally the Cardinal faced allegations from a number of complainants, all charges except
for those the subject of the appeal have now been either withdrawn, discharged or discontinued.
"He will not be commenting in the meantime."
12.20pm - Early mixed reaction across Ballarat
Survivors, supporters and the public have had mixed reactions to Cardinal George Pells conviction.
The news has broken three years to the day that a group of child sexual abuse survivors left Ballarat for the Vatican to meet with Pell.
Ballarat-based survivor Andrew Collins said there was no good news in it for anyone.
Im glad to see that finally everyone in Australia can hear the news and its not covered up, he said.
Its not good for the community of Ballarat, this is one of its greatest sons whos gone on to achieve one of the greatest ranks in the world.
I dont think the survivors will get any great joy out of this as well.
Having said that, it does show, especially with the defrocking of Cardinal McCarrick, this has gone to the highest levels of the church - heres two men who potentially could have been the next pope, and theyve been charged with child sex abuse.
Loud Fence founder Maureen Hatcher said it showed there is hope for justice for survivors.
I think its important that the community continues to support the survivors, including the guys that have taken Pell to court, theyve been through the wringer, as their families have as well, and its important that they continue to get support as well, she said.
This is really all about keeping children safe, and well need to work together, including our leaders, to make sure that happens.
Justice should play out, our judicial system tells us that if youre found guilty, you have to pay for those crimes.
City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates accompanied the group that went to the Vatican three years ago.
Its an ongoing journey of healing for many still, and we know sadly there are many people impacted who are no longer with us, we know theres been an enormous ripple effect across Ballarat for the long term wellbeing of each person directly affected, their families, friends, workplaces, and community organisations, she said.
One of the things that the conviction demonstrates is that it really was such an endemic and systemic problem.
If you have been affected by this story, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Blue Knot Foundation, which helps survivors of childhood trauma, on 1300 657 380 between 9am and 5pm, or email helpline@blueknot.org.au
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