One who famously tried being holy, no longer with us (6)
I believe the answer is:
pilate
'one who famously tried' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'holy no longer with us' is the wordplay.
'holy' becomes 'pi' (pi can mean pious).
'no longer with us' becomes 'late' (I've seen this in other clues).
'pi'+'late'='PILATE'
'being' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pilate that I've seen before include "prefect" , "Pontius -, Roman procurator of Judaea" , "Roman who authorised the crufixion of Jesus" , "Pontius, hand-washing judge" , "Magistrate passing death sentence" .)