Nestled away in the "Other Pontifical acts" section of the
Vatican Information Service on Saturday (22 September 2012) was this piece of information of interest to Antipodeans and the wider Catholic Church:
"The Holy Father appointed: ...
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney,
Australia, as a member of the Congregation for Bishops."
This means that Cardinal Pell will be asked to opine on the
suitability of episcopal candidates. Together with with those of the other
members of the Congregation, his Eminence's views as to the best candidate for
a particular diocese shall be conveyed to the Pope, with the Holy father usually
accepting the majority recommendation.
Several Australian sees remain vacant.
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| Cardinal Pell ordains eight men earlier this year |
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| The Pope and the Cardinal converse during WYD 2008 |
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| The Pope is accompanied by the Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney and the (now) Bishop of Parramatta |
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| Cardinal Pell in the foreground, and his Cathedral in Sydney |
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| Celebrating the Chrism Mass 2012 |
