Vatican says Cardinal George Pell not 'media savvy' Cardinal George Pell and his fellow cardinal colleagues are not 'media savvy' according to the Vatican. Picture: Britta Campion Source: The Daily Telegraph THE Vatican played down Cardinal George Pell's comments that Pope Benedict's resignation was "destabilising," saying cardinals aren't media savvy. Cardinal Pell told the ABC that the pope "was well aware that this was a break with tradition, slightly destabilising." The comments were interpreted by the Italian media as unusual criticism of the pope. But in the interview, Cardinal Pell also seems at pains to defend the pope, saying: "He felt that because of his weakness and sickness ... that he just didn't have the strength to lead the church." Spokesman the Reverend Thomas Rosica said it was unwise for the Vatican to comment on what cardinals say, and that journalists shouldn't take advantage of cardinals who, he said, aren't media savvy. Cardinal Pell told the Seven Network that Pope Benedict was a "brilliant teacher," but noted that "government wasn't his strongest point." He told Seven News he was "highly unlikely" to be in line for a promotion, although he did not rule it out.