Public entitled to know if outside influence used in attempt to destroy Pell

Facts may again end up speaking louder than words in the case of Cardinal George Pell, who was acquitted after 410 days of incarceration (“Vatican rivalry and the money trail”, 6/10). Reports in Italian newspapers indicate it could be more than just a conspiracy theory disgraced Cardinal Giovanni Becciu used Vatican funds to ensure unfavourable evidence against his rival, Pell.

The fact $1.1 million was allegedly siphoned off and wired to “unknown recipients” in Australia while the trial was developing against Pell could provide the fictional basis for yet another thrilling Dan Brown novel, if it weren’t all so real.

With Pell’s source of payment for his legal fees still unclear, this alleged theft of Vatican money thickens the plot. The probable launching of a “maxiprocesso” (an Italian-style royal commission) by papal authorities is anticipated, as there remains, “no obvious explanation for the transfer of the cash from the Vatican”. Perhaps only “the truth will set us free”. Let’s await developments.

Lyle Geyer, Essendon, Vic

It’s no longer a mere conspiracy theory. The public is entitled to know if anyone in Australia received bribe money from the Vatican to aid in the destruction of Cardinal George Pell. Since Pell was accorded no right to anonymity, all those involved should be identified as a matter of justice. When does the new royal commission begin?

Richard Stokes, Stanthorpe, Qld

The report that Cardinal George Pell’s conviction for child sexual abuse may have been influenced demands investigation.

Pell’s conviction and jailing on the accusation and evidence of one person (who remains anonymous), who was the only living witness to the offence, always raised major doubts, especially given the improbable nature of the evidence. Yet a Victorian jury found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt and an Appeals Court rejected Pell’s appeal. The judgment was subsequently overturned by a unanimous decision of the High Court.

If doubts did exist about the process to which Pell was subjected, they were insufficient to move the Victorian government to set up an inquiry. The possibility that the process could have been manipulated should now make such an inquiry an inescapable necessity.

Philip Temple, Larrakeyah, NT

I note Pope Francis has just released his latest encyclical, Fratelli tutti (Brothers all), in which he offers solutions for the ills that plague the world, including terrorism, racism and, in particular, poverty (“Pope cold on market economy”, 6/10). In the context of the latest scandals involving senior Vatican clergy including corruption and bribery, one can only hope the Pope will make the encyclical required reading for those accused or implicated. After all, Pope Francis did condemn “egoistic self-preservation”.

Angela Kueter-Luks, Bruce, ACT

A good man

Simon Benson’s article on the retiring federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann (“‘Where did you find him?’ Cormann leaves a hole that’s impossible to fill”, 6/10) is a refreshing and erudite account of a valuable contribution to politics in this country. This is especially evident by the respect expressed for Cormann by Labor’s Senate Leader, Penny Wong.

The story describes a decent man who has overcome significant challenges to achieve a great deal since arriving in Australia 25 years ago. Cormann has shown there are good people in politics, people of conviction, good intent and intellect who serve this nation well. The adversarial nature of politics can often disguise these characteristics. It is a credit to Cormann and Wong that they can rise above the maelstrom and set an example to their colleagues.

Tim Sauer, East Brighton, Vic