Australian Cardinal Edward Cassidy dead at 96

Australian Cardinal Edward Cassidy has died in Newcastle at the age of 96, after more than 70 years of service that saw him become one of the nation’s most high-ranking Vatican officials.

Cardinal Edward Cassidy.

Religious leaders have paid tribute to one of Australia’s highest ranking Catholics, Cardinal Edward Cassidy, describing him as a devoted servant of the church and skilled diplomat.

The cardinal passed away in Newcastle on Saturday at 96, after more than 70 years of service that saw him become one of the ­nation’s most senior Vatican officials of all time.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said the cardinal was known for his friendly, down-to-earth style and the high-level skill set he brought to his various roles at the Vatican.

“Cardinal Cassidy showed not only diplomatic skill and political astuteness, but also human ­authenticity and common sense,” he said. “There was a simplicity in it all — the simplicity of a man called to high office in the church but with his eyes firmly on Jesus Christ.”

Born in 1924 in Sydney from humble beginnings, Cardinal Cassidy served in parish ministry in the Wagga Wagga diocese before relocating to Rome to further his studies.

He spent more than 30 years as a Vatican diplomat in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, before going onto work for the Secretariat of State, where he served for almost two years in a role equivalent to the Pope’s chief of staff.

He served as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 1989 and was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 1991, one of only seven Australian cardinals, with George Pell now the only one surviving.

Cardinal Cassidy, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1990 in recognition of his service, retired in 2001 at 76.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay paid tribute to the committed servant of the church, with whom he spent time in Rome. “He was a gentleman, a clear and intelligent thinker, an honest person, a man of God.

“He generously served the church, was dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel, and committed to the work of Christian unity,” he said.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said the cardinal “left a remarkable legacy on our church, especially in the field of ecumenism … few other Australians have had such a profound impact on the Catholic Church on the international stage and I’m sure he will continue to inspire church leaders for many years to come.”

Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli said the cardinal was “a wonderful man of God and servant of the church, and a terrific Australian”.