Now that George Pell has been found guilty of child sexual abuse, we can ask ourselves: what does his story tell us about the Catholic church? The rise of Pell, from a country diocese in Australia to the highest ranks of the Vatican, shows us what attitudes and actions find swift promotion in this ancient organisation • David Marr: Brutal and dogmatic, George Pell waged war on sex – even as he abused children • Timeline: the rise and fall of George Pell