I can't speak for Cardinal, of course, but I see "hell" in relation to that which is "beneath", that which is "of this world".... and one can "depart from hell":
Pro 15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Compare that to:
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
So how does one "depart from hell" (the abode of the dead)?
By being found IN HIM ((who is)) THE RESURRECTION and THE LIFE:
Joh 11:23-26 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?