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Australia's Pell tops the chart as a rumor magnet
by John L Allen Jr on Feb. 06, 2010
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Printer-friendly versionSend to friendPDF versionRome, like other company towns, is an incubator for gossip. In Los Angeles, the talk is usually about who’s taking over what studio; in Washington, it’s who’s in line for what cabinet job; and in the Eternal City, it’s who’s up and down for senior positions in the Roman Curia.
This is an especially fertile period for such rumors, because sometime in 2010 several important nominations in the Vatican will likely come down the pike. At the moment, the list of heads of offices past 75 and awaiting successors includes: Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Congregation for Bishops; Franc Rodé, Congregation for Religious; Claudio Hummes, Congregation for Clergy; Walter Kasper, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; and Paul Cordes, Cor Unum. The pope’s right-hand man, Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, is also past 75, though many insiders expect Bertone to stick around.
Over a leisurely Roman lunch on Saturday, one longtime Vatican watcher (for the record, a Pole) asked my reaction to speculation that Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Australia, is under consideration to succeed Re at the Congregation for Bishops. That rumor first surfaced in January in the daily Italia Oggi – though, for what it’s worth, the paper hypothesized that the current apostolic nuncio in Italy, Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, is in “pole position” for the job, and that Pell might wind up at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (the old “Propaganda Fidei”).
To be perfectly honest, I have no idea whether Pell is indeed in line to take over the Congregation for Bishops or any other Vatican post. (At a threshold level, it doesn’t make a great deal of sense, given that Pell isn’t even currently a member of the congregation – but stranger things have happened.)
What I can say with some certainty is that Pell is perhaps the best living example of a certain species of ecclesiastical life that we might designate as the “rumor magnet.”
Now 68, Pell took over in Sydney in 2001 and was named a cardinal in 2003. Since that time, he has been prominently mentioned as a candidate for virtually every important Vatican post that has come open, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (a job which actually went to then-Archbishop, now Cardinal, William Levada of the United States). Bookmaker Paddy Power even listed Pell as a 16-1 shot to take over the Archdiocese of Westminster in 2008, apparently on the strength of the fact that Pell, who of course is not British, had once studied at Oxford.
If Pell had actually received all the Roman jobs for which he’s been prominently mentioned, by now he would virtually be running the Vatican all by himself.
While Pell may be at the top of the charts as a rumor magnet, he’s hardly the only example of the species. In fact, most countries with a significant Catholic population and an active press culture have at least one guy who’s always mentioned whenever an important Roman post looms. Other examples of perennial rumor magnets include:
• Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, Austria
• Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec in Canada
• Cardinal Francis George of Chicago (though since George took over as president of the U.S. bishops conference, and as he has aged, some of the speculation has died down)
• Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich
• Cardinal Pedro Scherer of São Paulo, Brazil
Though different in many ways, these rumor magnets share four defining characteristics:
• They have Roman experience, making it reasonable to think that they might one day head a Vatican office.
• They’re perceived as enjoying a close relationship with the current pope.
• They take strong positions on controversial issues, giving one camp in their local church a strong desire to see them promoted and another camp a strong desire to see them move on.
• They have a high media profile, so they’re well known both inside the church and in the broader society.
While there may actually be solid logic for thinking these figures are serious candidates to end up in the Vatican, that’s hardly the only reason they constantly attract media interest when important jobs come open. Precisely because of their high profile and their “love ‘em or hate ‘em” reputation, they are always, in the language of the news business, “good copy.” In other words, linking them to some prominent Roman assignment – however tenuous the rumors may be in any given case – is guaranteed to attract an audience.
Among other things, all this provides another layer of interest to the likely cavalcade of Vatican appointments in 2010. That is, it will be fascinating to watch not merely who gets the jobs, but who emerges as a new focus of fevered speculation for every post that opens up.
Even if the rumor magnets don’t wind up in a Roman post, they have already succeeded in one sense: They’ve engaged the public imagination more than virtually any prelate who actually has occupied a senior Vatican assignment. That, in itself, is a kind of accomplishment – and by that measure, Cardinal George Pell is virtually in a class by himself.
Hmmm, he is indeed in a class
Hmmm, he is indeed in a class by himself, the magna cappa fashionista class currently polluting the Church. See him wearing the cappa in the NCR archives. I guess he never read Vatican II documents. SC 124. Ordinaries, .... should strive after noble beauty rather than mere sumptuous display. This principle is to apply also in the matter of sacred vestments and ornaments.
this brings to mind the
this brings to mind the discussion among the apostles of who would sit at Jesus' right hand in the kingdom of heaven! nothing changes!
"...they are always, in the
"...they are always, in the language of the news business, “good copy.” In other words, linking them to some prominent Roman assignment – however tenuous the rumors may be in any given case – is guaranteed to attract an audience."
In other words, SLOW news day, but we GOTCHA anyway! (And Mr. Allen got to turn in the tab for that leisurely Saturday lunch in Rome as a business expense).
Possible replacement of Card.
Possible replacement of Card. Kasper could be as well: Bishop Müller of Regensburg. Or even Bishop Koch of Basel (was in private audience lately).
Any and all appointments made
Any and all appointments made by Benedict will ALWAYS be right wing reactionary "thinkers" and it will be virtually impossible for a free thinker to emerge in any important Vatican post. This is why the Catholic Church is no longer a Universal Church but a coterie of right wing fundamentalists that reflect a very small minority of practicing Catholics.
Any and all appointments made
Any and all appointments made by HansKung I will ALWAYS be left wing revolutionary "thinkers" and it will be virtually impossible for a free thinker to emerge in any important Vatican post. This is why NewChurch is no longer a Universal Church but a coterie of left wing fundamentalists that reflect a very small minority of practicing Catholics.
I love Cardinal Pell! He is a
I love Cardinal Pell!
He is a great speaker and never pulls his punches!
I think he is perfect right where he is.. to
put him Italy is to take away an awesome presence in that part of the
world which needs someone larger than life in order to get their attention!
Oh, he's larger than life
Oh, he's larger than life alright, particularly when he's garbed out in his 20 foot train looking like a prissy cockatoo.
Dear Lord, if Cardinal Pell
Dear Lord, if Cardinal Pell succeeded to the Congregation for Bishops, what a blessed day that would be! Cardinal Pell is one of the most impressive of the current members of the College, with clear leadership on issues of homosexuality, abortion and liturgical reform. During the Conclave of 2005, I was holding out hope that Joseph Ratzinger would be elected; but if not him, I had hoped and prayed that the College would select Pell. With Cardinal Pell as prefect, Cardinals Rigali, Stafford and Law and Archbishop (soon-to-be Cardinal) Burke, the English-speaking world will be well served when it comes time to appoint good and holy men to the office of Bishop.
Cardinal Schonborn is also an impressive individual, a clear thinker on key theological and moral issues of the day and a pastoral leader. His great contribution to Catholic life, of course, is serving as general editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. That document, the first universal catechism since Trent, ordered by Vatican II and by subsequent Synods of Bishops, is of incalculable import to the Church. As such, he cannot be dismissed from consideration for bigger things...perhaps even CDF if Cardinal Levada retires or is reassigned.
I pray that the rumors about Cardinal Pell are true.
His Eminence, when Archbishop
His Eminence, when Archbishop of Melbourne (Aus) willingly accepted an invitation to debate gays in Canberra a few years ago and took time out to fly up for the event.
It was a potentially explosive situation, but he defused the atmosphere with his humor. Towards the end of the debate, one of the gay debaters tersely challenged him with the question,"Would you accept me, a gay, in a position of responsibility in the Catholic Church in Australia?".
The (then) Archbishop came back in his inimitable voice: "Well, would you accept me in a position of responsibility in your organization?"
There was laughter all around.
We need leaders who can show humanity, even towards those with whom they are in serious but bona fide disagreement.
Pell as the new head of
Pell as the new head of Congregation of Bishops? Just what that congregation needs, another ultra-rightwinger picking the new bishops.
Steve
There is no left or right
There is no left or right wing in the Church, there is only being "centered" on the Eucharist. Whatever flows from the Real Presence is what we should be paying attention to.
I like Cardinal Pell but I do
I like Cardinal Pell but I do agree with you Steve !! All of them from the same basket...
And yes, Bertone will stick around, what it's actually not very good either.
Has anyone ever checked to
Has anyone ever checked to see whether Cardinal Pell's ideas have worked? Do any more young people go to Church in Sydney after the new Catechetical approach? Is there even an improvement in understanding of the faith? Did the World Youth Days in Sydney lead to a return to active faith of the youth who attended? What is the morale like of the Church in sydney since he became Archbishop?
Cardinal Pell seems to contradict the Pope in environmental theology, and capitalism. It is one thing to be a "tough talker" another to be a "knowledgeable" one.
Yes! Cardinal Pell's ideas
Yes! Cardinal Pell's ideas have worked!
Within months of becoming Archbishop of Melbourne, he had reformed the seminary, of which he had previously been rector. Numbers went up, up, up.
Ditto in Sydney ten years later.
That's just one measure of success. There are others. Praise God!
Could we retire Rodé before
Could we retire Rodé before he makes more trouble in the American church??
I like Cardinal Pell but I do
I like Cardinal Pell but I do agree with you Steve !!
I am sure Bertone will stick around... that is just too bad....
If Pell goes to Rome, it's
If Pell goes to Rome, it's good news for Gamarelli's - one more cappa magna that will be parading around the churches of Rome.
The biggest bully on the
The biggest bully on the block. Probably a suitable candidate for a Vatican position these days!
Cardinal Pell to head the
Cardinal Pell to head the Congregation of Bishops in Rome! What a joy to the people of Sydney to know that their prayers have been answered! Please, let it be so.
Randal Matthews
If only it were true that
If only it were true that Cardinal Pell was to spend even more time outside of Australia and the Archdiocese of Sydney. His leadership style seems more suited to Rome than Australia. May he go were the style suits him.
A relevant question was
A relevant question was asked: "Has Card. Pell's approach worked?"
Judging by congregation sizes at his Cathedral (and collections!!), one would have to say 'Yes!'
Now, whether this is because the young people are drawn to him as Ordinary, or are just escaping the parish based 'ordinary' liturgical practices is something that may need to be more closely assessed.
Those critical of the Cardinal are like the media - people who don't actually know him, but, presume they do.
Rather than criticise, just pray for the man if you think he needs a change in direction. Suffice to say, he does what he says and believes in what he does.
Pell and Burke can try to
Pell and Burke can try to outdo each other with longer trains and handsomer grain bearers.
Children: I knows what I sees when I sees it.
How very un-like New
How very un-like New testament Christianity this is.....pomposity; sumptuous robes; expensive rings on fingers; fancy titles; disconnected from the lived experience of the vast majority of the People of God who they are meant to serve. Perhaps we need a new cleansing of the temple (ie the Vatican).
I have just read part of Paul's letter to the Galatian Church.....I note Paul writes re the Church leaders of his time (James the brother of the Lord, Peter and others): it makes no difference to me how prominent they were - God plays no favourites. I read where Paul condemned Peter to his face for being wrong.
Pell for Rome? Wait on, Allen
Pell for Rome?
Wait on, Allen probably has it right this time - a magnet for rumours but necessarily accurate or in the mind of the Pontiff.
I watched and listended to his Christmas Eve mass sermon and have to say, politely, that it was about the worst I have ever heard from a priest, let alone a cardinal of Mother Church. It was streamed on the web and so I watched - then turned off as it was terrible. No wonder people are turned off by poor sermons today. It was not good and seemed a lazy sermon ill prepared and not inspiring at all.
Pell may be a cardinal and many wait to see if + Coleridge will succeed him. But my rumour is that:
Pell will stay in Sydney (look at recent health scare in Rome in Jan)
+Fisher will be his successor in Sydney in 8 years time
+Mark Benedict Coleridge of Canberra will be moved to a senior position in Rome by 2015 and subsequently be created a cardinal
You read it here first !!
The usual... I don't know if
The usual...
I don't know if - except for the few laudable exceptions - the commentators here really are as obtuse as they sound or if they are acting out of sheer bad will and just don't care.
First of all: The cappa has never been abolished (ut sive sollicite) but was indeed exiled from Rome, so if anyone needs to get more familiar with official church documents, it is Dr.Dale and acl, who both got it wrong. Sure, the cappa isn't mandatory either, but note that Pell doesn't wear it on a regular basis but only where he can do a favor to those who attend the old rite and want the celebrant to go the whole nine yards. This has nothing to do with mere sumptuous display.
Even more interesting to see is that the enforcers of the new clean, spiritual, back-to-the-roots, more-Christian-than-thou Catholicism are also the ones who make use of every kind of injustice in speech, be it "polluting the Church", "prissy cockatoo", "biggest bully", "handsomer grain bearers [sic! - though maybe intended, cuz I iz funny]" and so on. If this is all you have to offer, then thanks, but no!
By the way: Free thinkers in the Church nowadays would be men who do not cave in to emotionally charged "I want it because it feels good and means a lot to me"-demands but try to stay away from the hug-, dissent- and abuse-fests that brought or sacred liturgy to the brink of meaninglessness while apparently still being connected to some notion of "cleansing the temple". Yes, cleansing it of the Holy Spirit, for sure!
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