Official welcome home for Cardinal Pell

Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell will be officially welcomed to the city's St Mary’s Cathedral this evening following his elevation to the College of Cardinals last month in Rome.

Cardinal Pell will be received at the doors of St Mary’s Cathedral by senior clergy of the Archdiocese who will present the Cardinal with a crucifix to kiss, and holy water as a reminder of baptism. They will then process with Cardinal Pell to the sanctuary. Evening Prayer will then commence.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir and her partner Sir Nicholas Shehadie will attend, along with other civic and Christian church representatives.

Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen and Moderator of the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church are among those who have accepted invitations to attend, as well as NSW Treasurer Michael Egan and Speaker of the House John Aquilina.

The program, which includes the celebration of Mass, will commence at 7:30 pm.