In a heartfelt address following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed the profound connection the late pontiff had with Australians, noting his unique position as the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere. Albanese highlighted Pope Francis’s powerful love for humanity, stating, “The memory and example of his compassion will long endure.”
The Prime Minister, appearing visibly emotional, called for a national day of mourning and requested that flags be flown at half-mast. He conveyed the gratitude of Australian Catholics and the global faithful for the pope’s impactful life, emphasizing that, “today, the prayers of more than a billion people from all nations in every walk of life go with Pope Francis to his rest.”
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by several historic milestones; he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, adopting the name in homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, a symbolic champion of the poor. Albanese noted that both Catholics and non-Catholics would mourn his passing, recognising the inclusive compassion he showed to all people.
Albanese later visited St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne to pay his respects. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also shared his condolences, praising the late pope for his lifelong devotion to God. “His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life,” Dutton remarked.
Pope Francis’s commitment to living a modest life was emphasised, alongside his fundamental drive to champion mercy and forgiveness. This message was encapsulated in his final Christmas address, where he affirmed the transformative power of divine mercy.
Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Fisher, acknowledged the pope’s embodiment of Christ’s teachings, especially towards the vulnerable. He stated that the Catholic community in Sydney and across Australia joins in mourning the Holy Father’s passing, underlining Pope Francis’s dedication throughout his various roles as a priest, bishop, and pope.
This collective remembrance underlines the deep impact of Pope Francis, whose life and leadership resonated far beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.