Reaction to the death of Australian Cardinal George Pell

The following are reactions to the death of Australian Cardinal George Pell (pictured). He was a prominent Roman Catholic conservative, former high Vatican official, and was acquitted in 2020 of child sexual abuse allegations.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, AUSTRALIA PRIME MINISTER

"This will be a difficult day for many, especially Catholics, and I offer my condolences today to those who are in mourning.

"This will shock many. This was a hip surgery and the results of it have been that Cardinal Pell has died.

TONY ABBOTT, AUSTRALIA PRIME MINISTER

With the passing of George Pell, Australia has lost a great boy and the Church has lost an outstanding leader.

"His imprisonment on charges that were ultimately dismissed by the High Court was a modern form crucifixion. It is reputationally acceptable as a living death.

"His prison journals ought to be a classic: A fine man struggling with a cruel fate, trying to understand the unfairness and suffering."

JOHN HOWARD, FORMER MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA PRIME

"The death in Rome of George Cardinal Pell has removed us from a person with immense influence not only in the Catholic church, but also in the country more broadly.

"I loved and respected the late Cardinal very much. His death is a huge loss for the intellectual and spiritual life in our country.

PETER COMENSOLI - ARCHBISHOP of MELBOURNE

"Cardinal Pell was an important and influential leader in the Church, both nationally and internationally. He was deeply committed to Christian discipleship.

"Cardinal Pell was the leader of the Melbourne Catholic Church from 1996 to 2001. He demonstrated strong leadership and good governance before being transferred to Sydney and then Rome.

"May he be surrounded by eternal light, may he now rest in peace, and may he rise to glory with the Lord."

ANTHONY FISHER - ARCHBISHOP of SYDNEY

"This is a shocking news for all of us. We ask for prayers for Cardinal Pell's repose, comfort and consolation for his loved ones and all those who are mourning him.

TIMOTHY COSTELLOE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BOISHOPS CONFERENCE PRESIDENT

"Cardinal Pell was a strong, clear leader within the Catholic Church of Australia...for more than 25 years."

"His strengths were widely recognized, both in Australia as well as around the globe, as his Vatican appointments of Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, and as a member of the Council of Cardinals (an advisory group to Pope Francis), show.

"Cardinal Pell will have a lasting impact on the life and ministry of the Church throughout Australia and the world for many years."

CLARE LEANEY is the CEO of IN GOOD FAITH FOUNDATION

"George Pell, a symbol for a system that placed the Catholic Church's interests above the safety and well-being of individuals, was a symbol for many survivors of clerical abuse.

"As a consequence of this news, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in people coming forward to share their experiences with institutional abuse for first time."

VIVIAN WALLER LAWYER

"I will always remember George Pell, the Australian pastor who was there when the horrors of child sexual abuse were revealed but who acted defensively to protect and deny the church's reputation."

"Survivors hope that his death will bring about a period of transformation within the Church, and may inspire some compassion."

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