Obituaries Australia

Former Catholic Archbishop James Patrick Carroll, well known for his outstanding contribution to Catholic education, died yesterday after a stroke.

Archbishop Carroll retired from the post in 1984. He was a former senior auxiliary bishop in Sydney and a former chairman of the Catholic Education Commission.

He was born in Newtown, Sydney, in December, 1908.

Archbishop Carroll was well known for his contribution to Catholic education and was a key figure in negotiations over Government support for private schools, a statement from Catholic Communications said.

Prime Minister Paul Keating said Archbishop Carroll was a very priestly man, a paragon of the Catholic Church and a very special Australian.

"Archbishop James Carroll, a prince of the Catholic Church, was by every instinct and inclination a kindred member of the working community of Australia and who, by his grace, charm and humility, was a very special Australian and a very priestly man," Mr Keating said.

"He served the Catholic Church with distinction and materially progressed its interests in education, being always influential in the direction and delivery of government aid to the Catholic school system.

"He was always a believer in a moderate Labor Party, a party in touch with the aspirations of working Australians and one able to advance their interests."

Cardinal Edward Clancy, who is attending the World Youth Day in Manila, said in a statement that Archbishop Carroll had "over a long life contributed more than most to the Church and nation, especially in the field of education". "He had a wise head and I and many others relied on his wisdom for many years," Cardinal Clancy said.

"He will be sadly missed but what he achieved in his life will long be remembered."

Archbishop Carroll attended the Sisters of Mercy Pius School, Enmore, the Christian Brothers' Saint Joseph School, Newtown, and the Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham.

He studied for the priesthood at Saint Columba's College, Manly, and the Irish College, Rome.

He was ordained priest on May 20, 1931, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome.

In 1965, Pope Paul honoured Bishop Carroll by promoting him Archbishop in recognition of his services to education.