Campion College Australia Honours George Cardinal Pell with Grand Hall Dedication and Book Launch

On Wednesday 26 March, Campion College Australia proudly unveiled the name of its Grand Hall—the George Cardinal Pell Grand Hall—during a momentous event commemorating the life and legacy of Cardinal Pell. This special dedication recognises Cardinal Pell’s lasting influence as a leader in the Church, his commitment to faith and education, and his unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. This marks the first official naming in honour of Cardinal Pell since his death.

As part of the event, guests also celebrated the launch of George Cardinal Pell – Pax Invictis, A Biography, authored by distinguished journalist and commentator Tess Livingstone. The biography provides an in-depth exploration of Cardinal Pell’s journey—from his early years in Australia to his influential role as the Vatican’s treasurer. It recounts his steadfast faith through his trials, wrongful imprisonment, ultimate exoneration, and his passing on January 10, 2023. Pax Invictis – Latin for “Unconquered Peace” – encapsulates the resilience and fortitude that defined his life.

A highlight of the evening was an address by The Hon John Howard OM AC, Australia’s 25th Prime Minister, with responses from Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and The Hon Tony Abbott AC, former Prime Minister of Australia. Their speeches paid tribute to Cardinal Pell’s dedication to faith, justice, and public service.

“What he gave to the Christian religion and very particularly to the Catholic Church, was a lifetime of service and devotion. He was an intellectual inspiration,” said Mr Howard.

“His tenacity and his strength and his resilience would’ve broken most of us, but not him. And he was sustained in that by his resolute faith.”

Tess Livingstone, a veteran Australian journalist, has extensively covered politics, economics, strategic policy, and cultural issues. Her contributions to The Australian and The Weekend Australian have shaped national discourse for over a decade, making her uniquely positioned to present an insightful portrait of Cardinal Pell’s life.

The event drew together college friends, supporters, students and many members of the community in a shared moment of reflection on Cardinal Pell’s contributions and the values he championed. Attendees received signed copies of the book as a keepsake from the evening.

Campion College Australia remains committed to preserving the intellectual and spiritual contributions of figures like Cardinal Pell, ensuring that their stories and teachings endure for generations to come.