Christendom College mourns the passing of Cardinal George Pell, who passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2023, from cardiac arrest. A great figure of the Church who was a friend of the college, Cardinal Pell was 81.
“Cardinal Pell was a great man who spent his entire life in service of Christ and His Holy Catholic Church,” says College President Dr. Timothy O’Donnell. “Like our Blessed Lord, he suffered at the hands of his enemies who falsely accused and imprisoned him. At a dinner with him in Rome last spring, he spoke of his sufferings but without bitterness and with a beautiful spirit of forgiveness for those who had treated him unjustly. He was a great friend of Christendom College and would always make himself available for events and for pilgrims we would bring to the Eternal City. His strength, deep faith, and love for the mission of the college was a source of joy and encouragement to me personally and to our entire community. May Our Lord, in the love of His Heart, receive this great soul into His loving embrace.”
Born in 1941 in Australia, Cardinal Pell was ordained a priest in 1966 and was made the auxiliary bishop of Melbourne in 1987, becoming archbishop just nine years later. In 2001, Cardinal Pell was appointed as archbishop of Sydney, Australia, by Pope Saint John Paul II, who later named him a cardinal in 2003. Cardinal Pell served as Australia’s most prominent church leader until 2014, when he was appointed by Pope Francis as the Vatican’s newly created Secretariat for the Economy.
Cardinal Pell with former Christendom chaplains Fr. John Heisler (right) and Fr. Seamus O’Kielty (left) in 2006.
Cardinal Pell left Rome in 2017 to defend his innocence of abuse charges in Australia — charges for which he was ultimately acquitted in 2020. He returned to live in Rome soon after and was present for the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI, with whom he shared a close relationship, just a week before his own death.
In 2006, Cardinal Pell was honored at Christendom College’s Commencement Ceremonies, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and delivered the Commencement Address.
“Christendom College stands as a proud witness to nearly 1700 years of cultural and religious achievement,” said Cardinal Pell in his address.
Cardinal Pell blessing students following the 2006 Commencement Ceremonies.
Cardinal Pell remained a friend to the college until his passing, meeting with Dr. O’Donnell and college benefactors during frequent visits to Rome.
He leaves behind an important legacy in the Church, with his writings, his wit, and his staunch defense of the Catholic Faith impacting millions of Catholics across the globe. Cardinal Pell will be sorely missed by the entire Christendom community.
May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.