Loves Tim Tams, hates Vegemite: The day Pope Leo said mass at a Sydney beach
There was a celebratory mood at St Augustine's College in Sydney's Northern Beaches on Friday morning, as the news spread that one of their own had been named the next leader of the Catholic Church.
'It is the greatest honour that we could receive,' college chaplain Father Senan Ward said of the appointment.
Not only is Leo XIV the first pope from the order of Saint Augustine, according to Vatican News, but he was a regular visitor to Australia during his time as leader of the order from 2001 to 2013, with many local Augustinian leaders considering him a friend.
While Pope Francis never made it to Australia, before or during his papacy, Robert Prevost's position saw him travel to the about 50 countries where the order has a presence. That includes at least four known visits to Australia, where he developed a great love of Tim Tams and a hatred of Vegemite.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said it was 'very likely' the newly elected Pope would visit Australia, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese already extending an invitation to the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028.
St Augustine's College welcomed the future pope to its Brookvale campus twice, in 2008 and 2009.
Religious education teacher Margaret McElhone recalled the visits, remarking that Prevost's 'humility and willingness to spend authentic time in community was appreciated by all who met him'.
Prevost's first visit in 2008 coincided with Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Australia for World Youth Day, during which he gave a scenic Mass at Sydney's Collaroy Beach. He returned a year later, speaking at a college assembly and presenting sports awards.
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