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VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Cardinal George Pell, who as soon as spearheaded monetary reform for Pope Francis on the Vatican, died Tuesday (Jan. 10) on the age of 81 as a consequence of problems after hip substitute surgical procedure in Rome.
An influential conservative determine on the Vatican, he was praised for his forceful efforts to reform Vatican funds, however his life and profession have been marred in recent times as a consequence of sexual abuse allegations.
On the Vatican, Pell labored intently with the monetary auditor Libero Milone, who mourned the lack of “an amazing man and a honest buddy” in a message to Faith Information Service. In interviews, Francis has praised Pell as a “genius” for his work in restoring the notoriously corrupt Vatican funds.
“Cardinal Pell was one of many giants of contemporary Catholicism. His dying is an incredible loss to the common Church, which he cherished passionately, served magnificently, and suffered for significantly,” wrote George Weigel, Vatican commentator and Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Coverage Heart, in an electronic mail to RNS.
Pell grew to become the primary cardinal to be convicted of sexual abuse in 2017 and spent greater than a yr in jail till his conviction was overturned on enchantment by the Australian excessive courtroom, which cited an absence of proof. Whereas in jail, he wrote three books detailing his bodily and religious expertise, which he known as his “jail journal.”
Cardinal George Pell, probably the most senior Catholic cleric to face intercourse prices, leaves courtroom in Melbourne, Australia, on Might 2, 2018. (AP Photograph/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Born in Ballarat, Australia, in 1941, Pell distinguished himself as a heavyweight boxing champion and soccer participant in his youth earlier than being known as to the priesthood. After learning theology and philosophy on the Urbaniana Pontifical College in Rome and additional research in Oxford, he returned to Australia, the place he rapidly rose to prominence.
Pope John Paul II appointed Pell archbishop of Melbourne in 1996, then archbishop of Sydney in 2001. In 2003, John Paul made Pell a cardinal, and he participated on the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
In Australia, Pell’s ministry was challenged by rising clergy sexual abuse scandals within the nation. His investigations of abuse circumstances in Melbourne, whereas forward of different such efforts within the church, did not fulfill calls for for accountability and transparency frm Australian Catholics and abuse survivors. In 2002, he was confronted with allegations that he had sexually abused a minor, however the accusations have been dismissed.
Pell’s unyielding conservative stance on doctrinal issues and his imposing character drew consideration on the Vatican. When Francis grew to become pope in 2013, Pell was nominated to participate in his choose group of advisers within the Council of Cardinals. Francis later selected him to steer his monetary reform on the Vatican by appointing him secretary of the newly created Secretariat for the Economic system.
As monetary czar, Pell rapidly encountered opposition, mainly within the individual of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was substitute, or chief of workers, on the Secretariat of State on the time. The 2 cardinals’ rivalry was highlighted as Becciu, presently dealing with trial on the Vatican, was charged with abuse of workplace, embezzlement and collaborating in a legal conspiracy.
Australian Cardinal George Pell is interviewed by The Related Press in his dwelling close to the Vatican, Might 20, 2021. (AP Photograph/Gregorio Borgia)
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