Australians from all walks of life and across the political divide are paying tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Sunday aged 88, with heartfelt messages pouring in for the much-loved pontiff remembered for his humility, compassion, and powerful leadership.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led national tributes on Monday night, describing Pope Francis as “truly inspirational” and “close to the people of Australia”.
“For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father,” Albanese said, pausing to steady himself with a drink of water before continuing his sombre address.
“The memory and example of his compassion will long endure… We celebrate the gift of his life and presence among us.”
Referencing the Pope’s final Easter homily, Albanese said, “The light quietly shines forth even though we are in darkness… May God welcome Pope Francis to eternal life.”
The Prime Minister, a practising Catholic, announced that flags at all Commonwealth Government buildings would fly at half mast on Tuesday in a mark of respect. Later, he visited St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, where mourners had already begun to gather, one laying a bunch of yellow daffodils at the gate.
In Sydney, the sound of 88 bells echoed from St Mary’s Cathedral as the faithful remembered the life of the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope. Just a day earlier, Mr Albanese had attended Easter Sunday Mass at the Cathedral with his partner, Jodie Haydon, and Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher, who is expected to address the Pope’s passing at a press conference on Monday night.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his condolences on behalf of the Coalition, describing Pope Francis as a man who “lived frugally and simply” and was “driven by Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness.”
“Above all else, he was a servant of God… With God, may Pope Francis rest in peace.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns praised the Pope’s legacy of “humility, simplicity and love for the poor”, noting his rejection of papal limousines in favour of public transport and a modest blue Ford Focus.
“Francis was a pope of the people,” he said.
“Through the strength of his example and the quiet passion of his words, he showed us the power of the great Catholic teachings.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan echoed the sentiment, calling Pope Francis “a relentless voice for the marginalised”.
“He believed that compassion for the vulnerable was core to the human condition… A message that has never mattered more.”
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge released a statement titled Goodbye My Brother, announcing a nine-day mourning period and a special Requiem Mass at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
He highlighted Pope Francis’s impactful encyclicals Laudato Si’, which urged care for the environment, and Fratelli Tutti, which called for global fraternity.
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) also expressed its grief, with Chancellor Martin Daubney AM KC saying the Church was “indebted to Pope Francis for his faith leadership”.
ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Zlatko Skrbis added that the Pope’s teachings had inspired the university’s mission to create a “more just and compassionate world”.
“Much of what we do in education and research at ACU is a direct response to Pope Francis’ call for ‘Universities of Meaning’.”
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis upon his election in March 2013, leaves behind a legacy defined by his devotion to the poor, his push for reform, and a vision of a Church that embraced all people, especially those on the margins.
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