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Paul Collins

Paul Collins

Paul Collins is a Catholic historian and author of 15 books. He was a Catholic priest for 33 years.

George Pell (centre) in the team photo for St Patrick’s College 1956 First XVIII Football team.

Every clash I had with George Pell made me wish I had the umpire’s whistle

I first met Pell on the football field in the early 1960s. He was a ruckman – a good footballer, but very rough – and I was the umpire. I awarded quite a few free kicks against him.

  • Paul Collins

Latest

Pope Francis (right) with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle in 2017.

After Benedict’s death, thoughts turn to Francis’ successor

Western opponents of the current Pope’s agenda include former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. Could they champion an African cardinal to succeed him?

  • Paul Collins
The Plenum Council’s concerns are vague and unlikely to produce real answers to the difficult questions facing the church.

Historic gathering with bland agenda unlikely to stem decay in the Catholic Church

Many committed Catholics have already lost faith that hard questions will either be asked or answered.

  • Paul Collins