George Pell has died suddenly in Rome.

Pell, 81, suffered complications while undergoing what had been described as “minor” surgery on his hip.

Colm Flynn, Vatican correspondent for EWT News, broke the news on Wednesday morning Australian time and told 3AW he was shocked when he learned of Pell’s passing.

Press PLAY below to hear Colm Flynn report the news

Pell served as the Archbishop of Melbourne, then Sydney, between 1996 and 2014.

He was made a Cardinal in 2003 and became the Treasurer of the Vatican.

In 2018, he was found guilty of child sex abuse offences and served more than 400 days in prison, before being acquitted by the High Court.

Respected journalist and author, Paul Kennedy, has been a tireless advocate for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the Catholic Church and told 3AW the news would fuel a range of emotions.

“George Pell did not handle himself well and I think the findings and inquiries and findings have proven that,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear Paul Kennedy’s reaction

(Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)