As Cardinal Pell is laid to rest today in Sydney, those unable to attend the Mass might wish to recall the depth of the faith that sustained him throughout life and especially amid his time of torment: 'God loves every one of us, keeps each one of us in the palm of His hand. God is an all-embracing torrent of love, spreading forgiveness and kindness to all, especially those who want to be loved'

Edward Gibbon in 'Decline and Fall' is unremittingly hostile to Christianity, seeing its 'unresisting softness of temper' and 'pusillanimous sentiments' as opening the gates to barbarian hordes. His work is a masterpiece, there can be no arguing that. But he could not be more wrong in failing to recognise that, far from abetting barbarism, the Church did much to diminish or remove it

My suspicions have been deepened over the years by the climate movement’s totalitarian approach to opposing views, their demonizing of successful opponents and their opposition to the publication of opposing views even in scientific journals.