CathNews

2 days ago | cathnews.com | Rebecca Comini

In countries such as Timor-Leste, Pope Francis wasn’t just the head of the Catholic Church. Source: ABC News. Holding back tears, local Francisca Wongabou said: “I feel the Pope as my king. “Because he recently came less than a year ago, I feel the pope is not dead. I am surprised and do not accept reality,” she said. Ms Wongabou was one of dozens of people who gathered for a late-night vigil to remember the Pontiff, who died on Monday aged 88.

2 days ago | cathnews.com | Rebecca Comini

Pope Francis’ legacy in the areas of social justice, mission and lay governance have been recognised by Australian Catholic organisations. Paying tribute to the late pontiff, the St Vincent de Paul Society Australia’s national president Mark Gaetani noted his commitment to social justice issues such as the welfare of migrants and refugees. “In death as in life, the spirit and ideals of the late Pontiff continue to inspire the actions of people worldwide,” Mr Gaetani said.

2 days ago | cathnews.com | Rebecca Comini

Catholic Religious Australia, the peak representative body for almost 4500 sisters, brothers and priests who belong to religious orders, expressed deep sorrow on the death of Pope Francis. “We share in the mourning of the Catholic community and of so many other people all over the world upon hearing the news of the death of Pope Francis”, CRA president Br Gerard Brady said. “Pope Francis’s leadership was committed to the poor and the marginalised of this world.

2 days ago | cathnews.com | Rebecca Comini

Australia’s political leaders paused politicking and trading barbs yesterday as a papal-sized shadow was cast over the election campaign. Source: Canberra Times. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton cancelled campaign events and attended church services to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis as early voting opened across the country. Mr Albanese had planned to campaign in Melbourne while Mr Dutton was scheduled to hit the hustings in Orange.

2 days ago | cathnews.com | Rebecca Comini

A memorial Mass concelebrated by the Holy See’s ambassador to Australia was held at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra last night to honour the life of Pope Francis. Source: Catholic Voice. The Mass, led by principal celebrant Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse, was concelebrated by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo, and attended by many clergy, dignitaries, seminarians, ecumenical leaders, and faithful from across the region.