On the deaths of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Pell
On Sunday 01 January 2023, the faithful began uniting in prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who had died at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican on the eve of the new year at 7:34pm AEST. As in the words of the Archbishop of Melbourne, may he rest in gracious and gentle peace. On Tuesday 10 January 2023, we learned of the death of Cardinal George Pell from complications following surgery in Rome, Italy.
The following is an extract of the Statement from Archbishop Comensoli on the death of Cardinal George Pell:
Cardinal Pell was a very significant and influential Church leader, both in Australia and internationally, deeply committed to Christian discipleship. The seventh Archbishop of Melbourne, he led the local Church of Melbourne from 1996 to 2001 with strong leadership in the Catholic faith and with good governance, before being transferred to Sydney and then to Rome.
At this time, let our prayers go out to the God of Jesus Christ, whom Cardinal Pell wholeheartedly believed in and followed, that he may be welcomed into eternal life.
Our prayers of comfort and condolence are also with his family, and we unite with all the people of God in Melbourne in praying for the repose of his soul.
May eternal light shine upon him, and may he now rest in peace and rise to glory in the Lord.
Yours in Christ Jesus
