It is with sadness that I have been informed today of the death of Cardinal George Pell. The Cardinal had undergone hip surgery in Rome and died due to heart complications post-surgery.

Cardinal Pell was Rector of Corpus Christi College, Melbourne in 1985 -1987, the Seminary in which I trained. Always controversial George was a decisive leader and I remember him as a good leader of the Seminary.

He was elected to the College of Cardinals in 2003 and appointed as head of the Vatican’s Treasurer, a position he hoped to bring reform.

Many will be saddened by his passing. We will respect the grief of those he leaves behind, his sister and brother and their families and his many friends both here and overseas.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Pell, comfort for his family and for all of those who loved him.

Please click here to read a statement from the Australia Catholic Bishops Conference.

Photo: Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 

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