Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic World News

Leading Vatican journalist: Cardinal Pell to head Congregation for Bishops

May 05, 2010

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Australia will soon be named prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, according to Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli of Il Giornale.

The report by Tornielli-- who has accurately predicted several developments during this pontificate-- matches rumors that have circulated in Rome for several months. Tornielli adds that the formal announcement of Cardinal Pell's appointment will come before the summer months. Major changes in the Roman Curia often come either just before or after the Pope makes the move to the apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo for his summer stay there.

Cardinal Pell would replace Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who has been prefect of the Congregation for Bishops for 10 years and, at 76, is now well past retirement age. The rumors that Cardinal Pell would be his replacement, which began last year, were rekindled last week when, after a private audience with Pope Benedict, Cardinal Pell met at length with Cardinal Re.

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: samuel.doucette1787 - May. 05, 2010 5:26 PM ET USA

    Hopefully Cardinal Pell will bring some of that refreshingly blunt Aussie demeanor to the Vatican and shake up the bishop appointment process. Why not also dismantle bishops' conferences while we're at it? G'day Mate!