Cardinal wanted to spread the Gospel to help inspire young Aussies to take a leap of faith
Cardinal George Pell realised the Church had to find a way to more effectively engage with the modern world, writes Archbishop Julian Porteous
CARDINAL George Pell was a leading figure not only in the Catholic Church but in Australian society. His sudden death shocked and surprised many who admired his courageous leadership.
He was respected by many for his forthright views, often articulating what many felt but were either unable to express or frightened to do so. He had the capacity to present in a clear way what he believed was needed in order for both the Church and the world to flourish.
Cardinal Pell was thoroughly Australian and proudly so. A gifted sportsman and scholar, he could have just as easily been a champion ruckman for the Richmond Football Club as a cardinal of the Catholic Church.
Born in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1941, he discerned a vocation to the priesthood after completing his secondary education. He was sent to Rome to complete his studies and was ordained there in 1966 for the Diocese of Ballarat. His studies in Rome were undertaken during the period of the Second Vatican Council, a very significant international gathering of Catholic bishops, which sought to reflect on how the Church could better express itself in light of a culture increasingly hostile to Christianity.
After being ordained, he completed a doctorate in Church History at Oxford University. His academic background led him to be appointed director of the Aquinas Campus of the Institute of Catholic Education in Ballarat. He continued to have a keen interest in Catholic education throughout his life.
His interest in education and the Catholic intellectual tradition influenced his future endeavours, such as the creation of the Australian Catholic University, establishing a campus of Notre Dame University in Sydney and his support for Campion College, Australia’s first liberal arts college. He was a strong and determined advocate for the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith in all its profundity.
Like both Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict, Cardinal Pell understood that the Church had to find a way to more effectively engage
with the modern world. For all three men the answer was not simply to embrace the dominant views and attitudes in the prevailing culture (in order to appear more ”relevant’’), but instead to offer a renewed vision of Catholic faith in all its full beauty, profoundness and richness.
He was prepared to say what the Church taught on various matters, even when he knew that these positions would not be accepted by many. He strongly believed that ultimately it is only the truth that can liberate, and that the Catholic Church was the unique guardian of the truth. This clear proclamation of the truth gave hope and encouragement to many as they struggled to be faithful Christians in a world that increasingly rejected the true, the good and the beautiful.
His strong public stance on issues often attracted strong criticism, but he was unafraid. What mattered most to him was the proclamation of the Gospel, in season and out of season. He knew that it was only this proclamation that could provide for the wellbeing of individuals and for societies.
Cardinal Pell was a champion of young people. He knew the way to communicate with them was not to condescend, but to offer them the fullness of life offered through faith in Jesus Christ.
He was a great advocate of the World Youth Days initiated by Pope St John Paul II. These involved youth from around the world gathering in a particular city to celebrate their Catholic faith together. In 2008 he hosted a very successful World Youth Day in Sydney, which attracted some 400,000 pilgrims from Australia and overseas. The event, attended by Pope Benedict, has had a lasting influence on the direction of youth ministry in Australia and has fostered a new interest in the faith for many young people. He had no doubt that the faithful presentation of the Gospel message would attract and inspire young people. He understood that they wanted something sound and challenging and would not be satisfied with a watered-down version of the Catholic faith.
During his trial and imprisonment he had to endure extreme public vilification. He accepted this with grace and dignity. When finally acquitted he forgave all those who had caused what some legal experts regard as one of the worst travesties of justice in the history of the Australian legal system.
Cardinal George Pell has been a towering figure in the Australian landscape. He has left a rich legacy and has touched the lives of many. He will be remembered as a man of faith and considerable intellectual ability who devoted his life to advancing the cause of Christianity in an increasingly secular world.