The Australian comedian’s song, which refers to child abuses cases in the Catholic Church, has gone viral online.

Comedian and award-winning songwriter, Tim Minchin, has brought worldwide attention to the ongoing investigations by a Royal Commission into cases of alleged child abuse within the Catholic Church, with a song titled Come Home (Cardinal Pell). Featuring his characteristic blend of razor-edged lyrics and earworm-worthy melodies, the song has become an instant online hit.

The composer of the hit musical Matilda released the song earlier this week to draw attention to the reluctance of the powerful Australian church leader, Cardinal George Pell, to return home from Rome. Pell is due to face the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Abuse but is yet to testify due to ill health.

Pell was educated in the Victorian town of Ballarat, and at one point lived with Gerry Ridsdale, described on Minchin’s website as “one of the most prolific (and allegedly protected) paedophiles in Australian history.” Pell is accused of having been aware of sexual assaults on children, and of covering up the alleged abuse.

Minchin’s song, which was first performed on Channel...