Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday 15 April 2020

Interview with Cardinal Pell

A friend has forwarded to me this link to the first full interview given by Cardinal Pell since his conviction was quashed by the Australian High Court and he was released from prison.

The interviewer Andrew Bolt makes clear his position in his introduction - he says he is not Christian but is concerned with being just and with the truth. As he states the national broadcaster ABC, the Victoria police and the Victoria courts all have very serious questions to answer about their conduct in this case.

The interview can be seen in full at 

Andrew Bolt in his questioning brings up many searching issues for the Australian public authorities that it woulld appear they should not merely reflect upon but actively investigate, as probably should powerful voices in the Vatican. 

Watching it I was struck by how measured Cardinal Pell was in all he said and the tolerant quiet dignity he brought to the whole interview. 


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