We mourn for Pope Francis who left us with the great gift of Hope.
His last message to us, the day before he died, was full of hope:
“Christ is Risen! Happy Easter!”.
Our beloved Pope served us all with love, humility and wisdom.
He lived a long life of courage and determination, driven by a personal
understanding that the poor and marginalised
are at the heart of the Church’s mission.
We pray for his soul as he is welcomed into God’s loving presence.
Guided by the Scriptures, Pope Francis saw clearly the challenges of our times.
He denounced war, hatred and rejection. “Who am I to judge ?”
he asked some years ago.
How many of us live with such a generous heart?
While he never visited Australia, he was loved and admired by so many
in this ancient country, especially for the way he pushed us
to care for and nurture God’s creation: our common home.
His witness to the sufferings of our indigenous sisters and brothers
and to all who suffered from dislocation, economic hardship, and war
showed us how to be disciples of the Lord in 2025.
Pope Francis redefined our mission as people of God.
He spoke often of the church as a field hospital and us as good Samaritans.
Rather than walk by, we are called to turn towards those in need.
He urged us to welcome everyone into God’s grace
and into our lives with love and intention.
We remember his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers
as they reckon with their grief and loss. May God console them.
As a loving community we thank Pope Francis for his leadership,
wisdom and great love of God, God’s people and all creation.
We pray for his eternal life.
