In a surprise announcement Cardinal George Pell has withdrawn from an Ordinariate ordination next Saturday.

The Cardinal, who was intending to stay at the Oxford and Cambridge Club (see O&C below), has given no reason for this sudden withdrawal.

Commentators are speculating that it is related to the forthcoming publication by Melbourne University Press of a book giving details of the police investigation into allegations of child sex abuse, and interviews with alleged victims.

It emerged recently that the DPP of Victoria was close to a decision about prosecution.