At 11:30 a.m. (Rome time), the funeral Mass for the body of Cardinal George Pell began in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, where Pope Francis participated.
The funeral Liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.
In his homily, Cardinal Battista Re pointed out that although “the Cardinal’s untimely death has left us dismayed, there is only hope in our hearts.”
He also recalled that Cardinal Pell “in many situations was a protagonist of strong and determined character, characterized by a strong temperament, which at times could seem harsh.”
He also recalled that an “unjust and painful condemnation marked the last years of his life.”
In June 2017, Cardinal Pell was charged with sexual abuse in Australia, and the trial’s conclusion was a prison sentence. The Cardinal spent 404 days in jail.
“It was an experience of great suffering, endured with trust in God’s judgment, setting an example of how to accept even unjust punishments with dignity and inner peace. Faith and prayer were a great comfort and support for him,” assured Cardinal Battista Re.
Cardinal Pell was absolved, and the Supreme Court of Australia recognized his innocence, acquitting him of all charges and releasing him in April 2020.
Among those attending the funeral were the deceased Cardinal’s brother, David Pell, and his cousin Chris Meney, from Australia.
Archbishop Georg Gänswein, secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, and Cardinal Angelo Becciu, facing trial for financial corruption at the Vatican, concelebrated the Mass together with the Cardinals and bishops present in Rome.
At the end of the Eucharist, the Holy Father presided over the rite of the “Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio.”
Cardinal George Pell, Prefect Emeritus of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy and Archbishop Emeritus of Sydney, died in Rome on January 10 at 81.
The Australian Cardinal was hospitalized in the Italian capital for routine hip surgery on January 10. Although the operation was successful, a cardiac arrest reportedly ended his life.
The Cardinal will be buried in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia.
