Cardinal George Pell, Convicted For Child Sex Abuse, Passed Away At Age 81

Cardinal George Pell, 81, passed away followed by hip surgery complications. He was one of the world’s most senior Catholic clerics right before he got subjected to child sex abuse allegations in multiple court cases. 

The death of Australia’s colossus of conservative Catholicism, Cardinal George Pell was confirmed by Father Joseph Hamilton with great sadness on Tuesday.

A few days back, George Pell attended the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. The latest reports show that George was admitted for hip replacement surgery in Rome hospital.

The surgery went successful and George was found to be stable and healthy. But later he suffered a sudden unexpected cardiac arrest.

Father Joseph Hamilton shared his words by showering the prayers. He wishes that the eternal light now be showered on George. And father even pointed out that George was the one who steadfastly believed in Jesus Christ.

The Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher came forward to express his heartfelt condolence for Cardinal George’s sudden death. He said that the news about George’s loss was really shocking and everyone is deeply praying for the soul of George to rest in peace.

Anthony Fisher even shared his consolation for George’s family and he never missed mentioning everyone who knew and loved Cardinal George Pell.

Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher shared these thoughts via his private Facebook account. He shared a detailed post recently expressing the strong bond he kept with George.  

Is Cardinal George Pell Allegedly Committed Multiple Sexual Assaults?

Cardinal George Pell was born on June 8, 1941, in Australia. He was the renowned Australian cardinal of the Catholic Church.

Between the years 2014 and 2019, George served as the inaugural prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy. He held the third most senior position within the Roman Catholic Church and ranked high to become Vatican treasurer.    

The divisive figure was leading a peaceful life in the Archdiocese of Sydney. It was in 2018, George was allegedly found guilty of various sexual offenses. He was convicted of the charges against him and served in prison for over a year.

Though the allegations exist, George Pell strenuously denied the charges alleged against him. The judgment was later overturned in 2020 by the High Court of Australia. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese never missed conveying his condolence to the family and loved ones of George. On behalf of the government, Anthony Albanese shared his condolences to all those who were grieving. Also, Anthony specified that the day was a difficult one to pass. 

The divisive figure in Australia, Cardinal George Pell was well-noted and honored by many.  Followed by the news of Pell’s loss, many came over to Twitter to share posts to share their prayers and love for him. 

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Despite being found guilty of the rape of a 13-year-old choirboy, the most senior Catholic cleric in Australia always maintained his innocence and stood assertive facing the allegations.

While he was serving as Archbishop of Melbourne, he was found guilty in a case filed in for the sexual assault of a choirboy at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Following this, he was sentenced to six long years.

Later the conviction was quashed by the High Court and George was set free from prison. After his release, George lived a quiet life in Sydney.

He penned his memories in the prison with the title “Prison Journal”  and released its one, two, and three volumes detailing how he felt behind the bars. 

George lived a charmed life and throughout his career, he shined well, which made him a polarising figure of all times. Whatever disputes he was in, George took the place of the Catholic cleric’s towering presence.