Tension rose outside St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney as protesters clashed with the Catholic faithful during the solemn funeral of Catholic Cardinal George Pell.
As the casket of the conservative former archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney was carried outside the cathedral for the public procession to his burial crypt, some protesters cried “shame” and played Highway to Hell from a portable speaker.
Hundreds of mourners sang hymns outside the church, watched the funeral service streamed on the large screen, and stood quietly when listening to the eulogies.
At the same time, about 200 demonstrators marched from Hyde Park, which is opposite the cathedral on College Street, towards Oxford Street, holding signs carrying disparaging messages such as “Infernal Lasting Peace.”  The march was organised by the campaign group Community Action for Rainbow Rights….