The Pope granted him a leave of absence. Huh? Should he not have been removed from ministry and not allowed to perform any duties of a priest? Isn't that what the Vatican approved in the Charter for Protection of Children and young people? (And before you all get your undies in a bundle, yes, I know this is not in the US) Should he not be held to a standard that keeps him from using his influence and position in any way until this matter is decided? Granting someone a "leave of absence" is a far cry from "removal from ministry" and seems to imply Pell made the choice rather than the Pope or other officials proactively assuring safety. While Tom Doyle says he was suspended, the Vatican spokesman says he was granted a leave of absence. This is not a distinction without a difference, This is, if reported accurately, one more instance of clerical protectionism to higher clergy.