Turnbull calls on the Pope to sack disgraced Archbishop Philip Wilson

Malcolm Turnbull has slammed disgraced Archbishop Philip Wilson for not resigning following his conviction for concealing child sex abuse, and has urged Pope Francis to sack him instead.

Wilson, 67, was sentenced to 12 months detention following the high profile court case, and is due to be assessed for home detention in August this year. The sentence sparked uproar across the country at the time, with many claiming the punishment wasn’t harsh enough. 

Despite the backlash, Wilson confirmed he would appeal the sentence and had no plans to resign until he hears the outcome of that.

Turnbull backed calls for him to resign at the time, and now he’s taken it a step further in a direct message to the Pope as he spoke to reporters on Thursday.

“He should have resigned, and the time has come for the Pope to sack him,” Turnbull said.

The PM has made no secret of his shock at Wilson’s choice to appeal and hold on to his position, and previously said: “Clearly, given the outcome of the case, the lawsuit and prosecution, he should resign.”

Read more: Archbishop Philip Wilson to appeal concealing child sex abuse conviction

He’s not alone, and was also backed by Opposition leader Bill Shorten at the time, who said in a statement: “Mr Wilson’s action were inexcusable and his position is untenable.”

Wilson was found guilty in May of failing to report child sex abuse by pedophile priest James Fletcher in the 1970s. In a statement published by the ABC following his sentencing, Wilson remained adamant he would not leave the post.

“I intend to lodge an appeal against my conviction to the District Court of New South Wales,” he said.

“I am conscious of calls for me to resign and have taken them very seriously. However, at this time, I am entitled to exercise my legal rights and to follow the due process of law.”

Read more: Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson guilty of concealing child sex abuse

While he has stood aside from all duties, Wilson – who is one of Australia’s most senior Catholics – said he will offer his resignation if the appeal is unsuccessful.

During the sentencing, Magistrate Robert Stone convicted Wilson of his crimes with no possibility of a suspended sentence. He also stated that while Wilson’s offence was serious, it was not at the top end of crimes.

“The importance and ramifications of child sex abuse are well known. It places other people at risk,” he said. “(Wilson) was in a position of trust…there is no remorse or contrition shown by the offender.”

The Archbishop will appear in court on August 14 following an assessment for home detention. 

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