FORGOTTEN HISTORY: 49 - Caught on Camera

Reaction to the death of Australian Cardinal George Pell

Following are reactions to the death of Australian Cardinal George Pell, a leading Roman Catholic conservative and former top Vatican official who in 2020 was acquitted of child sexual abuse allegations.

Reuters · Jan 11, 2023

Cardinal George Pell is dead — what his legacy is depends on who you talk to

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the death of George Pell has come as a shock for many, but a clergy abuse survivor who started a petition to have Cardinal Pell defrocked in 2020 says the news will spark mixed emotions.

ABC News · Jan 11, 2023

Historic Edinburgh church could close to worshippers as parishioner numbers dwindle

The Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian are proposing to close a historical church in Leith next year as numbers of members fall and financial resources dwindle

Edinburgh Live · Jan 10, 2023

Pope Francis leads funeral of Benedict XVI as tens of thousands gather at Vatican

At his request, Benedict’s coffin is buried in the underground Vatican grottoes

The Independent UK · Jan 5, 2023

Guide to the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict

Pope Francis will preside at a funeral Mass in St. Peter's Square on Thursday for his predecessor former Pope Benedict, who died on Saturday at the age of 95.

Reuters · Jan 4, 2023

Northern Ireland reconciliation bill highlights complicated role of Catholic Church during the Troubles

It has now been more than two decades since the signing of the Good Friday agreement in 1998, formally ending the Troubles in Northern Ireland. But the most recent attempt by the British government to “deal with the past” – the legacy and reconciliation bill – is itself provoking conflict.

The Conversation · Jan 4, 2023

Benedict funeral to be similar to that of reigning popes

(This Jan. 3 story has been refiled to correct grammar in paragraph 11)

Reuters · Jan 3, 2023

Benedict's death clears path for Pope Francis to retire of old age in future

Six months ago Pope Francis brushed off speculation he was about to resign due to health problems, but even if he had toyed with the idea, he faced one major obstacle: there was already another ex-pope in retirement.

Reuters · Jan 3, 2023

Benedict's admirers keep streaming to Vatican to honor him

Lines of people wanting to honor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's service to the Catholic church have formed in St. Peter's Square for a second day

The Independent UK · Jan 3, 2023

Cardinal Cupich to hold Mass for Pope Benedict at Holy Name Cathedral on Monday

The Mass will be followed later in the week by a series of six additional memorial masses held by auxiliary bishops at other churches of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 1, 2023