Prison Journal: Vol. 1
The Cardinal Makes His Appeal
Cardinal George Pell
Innocent! That final verdict came after George Cardinal Pell endured a grueling four years of accusations, investigations, trials, public humiliations, and more than a year of imprisonment
after being convicted by an Australian court of a crime he did not commit. Led off to jail in handcuffs, following his sentencing on March 13, 2019, the 78-year-old Australian prelate began what was meant to be six years in jail for "historical sexual assault offenses”. Cardinal Pell endured more than thirteen months in solitary confinement, before the Australian High Court voted 7-0 to overturn his original convictions. His victory over injustice was not just personal, but one for the entire Catholic Church. Bearing no ill will toward his accusers, judges, prison workers, journalists, and those harbouring and expressing hatred for him, the cardinal used his time in prison as a kind of "extended retreat". He eloquently filled notebook pages with his spiritual insights, prison experiences, and personal reflections on current events both inside and outside the Church, as well as moving prayers.
978 1 62164 448 4
350 pages
£16.50
Prison Journal: Vol. 2
The State Court Rejects the Appeal
Cardinal George Pell
In
this second of three volumes, Cardinal Pell receives the terrible news that his first
appeal is rejected. With the same grace, wisdom, and calm perseverance we see on
display in Volume.1, he continues his quest for justice by appealing to the Australian
High Court. Glimmers of hope emerge as more legal experts, including non-Catholics,
join the chorus of those demanding that this miscarriage of justice be reversed.
978 1 62164 450 7
350 pages
£16.50
Prison Journal: Vol. 3
The High Court Frees an Innocent Man
Cardinal George Pell
In this third and final volume, Cardinal Pell’s conviction is overturned by Australia’s
High Court, and he is released from prison. As the appeal draws near, he grows in
confidence that his case is strong and that his vindication is important not only
for his own sake and the Church’s sake, but also for the sake of Australia’s legal
system. While continuing his daily readings and devotions, and receiving hundreds
of letters with offers of prayers and sacrifices on his behalf, the Cardinal ponders
the meaning of suffering in the life of the Christian, and he determines to accept
with equanimity whatever outcome lies ahead.
978 1 62164 452 1
350 pages
£16.50
See also: Contemplating Christ with Luke
George Cardinal Pell
Pax Invictis: A Biography
Tess Livingstone
Never a shrinking violet, Pell’s high profile in Australia, Rome, Britain and the
United States meant he was never far from controversy, inside an increasingly fractured
Church and in a world grown hostile to the Apostolic tradition. This definitive biography
traces Pell’s life from childhood in regional Australia to the Vatican Treasurer
in 2014, through his trials, imprisonment, and rebuilding his life.
978-1-62164-657-0
500 pages
£24.99 Hardback (December 2024)