The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell, has spoken
out against appointing another religious person to the role of Governor
General.
Sydney's Catholic Archbishop says Dr Hollingworth has made the right decision
in stepping down, but does not believe the controversy has done the office of
Governor-General "too much" long term damage.
But Dr Pell says Dr Hollingworth's replacement should not be a religious
person.
"Because the separation of church and state is a good thing, and that can
be muddied by such an appointment," he said.
He says one example of this is if a governor-general with a religious
background has to approve legislation that the Australian public wants, but
which is against that person's moral principles.
"The separation of church and state in Australia is a blessing and we
should preserve it."