Gerald Ridsdale, Australia’s worst pedophile priest, dies aged 90

He was convicted of abusing more than 70 children over three decades as a parish priest in Victoria’s west.

Australia’s worst pedophile priest has died.

Gerald Ridsdale, who was convicted of abusing more than 70 children over three decades as a parish priest in Victoria’s west, died shortly before 10am on Tuesday.

The 90-year-old was at the medical unit of Port Phillip Prison at Truganina in Melbourne after being hospitalised in March last year due to his failing health.

Gerald Ridsdale, who was convicted of abusing more than 70 children over three decades as a parish priest, has died.

Ridsdale (left) with George Pell (right). Picture: Supplied

It’s understood Ridsdale had a fall in November 2022 leaving him bedridden, suffering chronic pain, muscle wasting and with weak limbs.

He had been in prison since 1994 where he was serving a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the abuse of more than 70 children.

His vile history of child abuse began in the year he was ordained as a priest in 1961.

He spent three decades abusing dozens of children across regional Victoria.

Ridsdale, who has been locked up since he was 70, was sentenced almost a year ago for the sexual assault of his 72nd victim, his eighth jail sentence for the abuse of children.

Ridsdale was serving an almost 40-year jail term on 192 charges.

He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to the sexual penetration of a person between 10 and 16 and indecent assault of six male victims in Inglewood and Mortlake between 1973 and 1981.

His plea in August brought his total count of known victims to 78 children.

It’s understood the former priest had served at 16 parishes nationwide.

Ridsdale was bedridden following a fall in 2022.

It was revealed during the 2017 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse multiple members of the church were aware of Ridsdale’s offending and allowed him to be relocated to different parishes despite knowledge of his abuse.

The Royal Commission also found it’s likely Ridsdale’s abuse began the year he was ordained in 1961.

Bravehearts chief executive Alison Geale said Ridsdale’s death did not erase the immense suffering he inflicted on innocent children and their families.

“While some may see his passing as the end of a dark chapter, for survivors, the trauma and its impacts remain.

“Bravehearts stands with all those affected, reminding the world that justice is not just about the fall of an offender, but about ongoing support, recognition, and healing for survivors.”

Corrections Victoria issued a statement on Tuesday following Risdale’s death.

“Corrections Victoria acknowledges the death of a 90-year-old person in custody at Port Phillip Prison on 18 February 2025,” the statement said.

“All deaths in custody are reported to the Coroners Court of Victoria, which formally determines the cause of death.”