Kieran Tapsell probably understands this issue better than any other English-speaking Catholic. He knows both the civil and canon law.

As I've written before, nothing will change until a bishop -- better still, a cardinal -- goes to jail for obstruction of justice in one of these cases. If Cardinal Pell is indicted, as now seems at least possible, will the Pope protect him, or not? Either way, the shock waves will reach far beyond Australia.