Bay of Plenty leaders honour Pope Francis' legacy of social justice and care
In what became his final public appearance, the Argentine pontiff greeted crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.
Francis 'challenged you', Muller said.
'To think of less fortunate people, then to orientate your politics and your activity towards it.'
Muller said the pope was a prayerful and reflective person.
'I think we need people like that in our society to help orient it at times.'
Aquinas College principal Matt Dalton said Francis was a champion for social justice and marginalised groups in society.
'We give thanks for his witness,' Dalton said.
The Catholic school community prayed and reflected on Francis' death and would provide guidance for students when they return to school.
St Mary's Catholic School Tauranga said in a post to social media that their school community would 'join the faithful around the world in mourning his loss and giving thanks for his humility, compassion, and service'.
'We invite all our students, staff, and families to keep Pope Francis in your prayers.'
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Francis and said it was a 'time of great sorrow for all those who have admired Pope Francis' compassion and humility'.
Winston Peters, who is Acting Prime Minister while Luxon is in Britain, said on behalf of the Government and the New Zealand people, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Francis.
'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.'
A joint statement from Father Prakash Somu and Father Mohan Kumar of Rotorua's Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish said a special Requiem Mass would be held at Saint Mary's Church on Wednesday at 12.05pm 'to honour the life, ministry, and legacy of Pope Francis'.
'All are welcome to come and pray, give thanks, and reflect on the hope and humility he brought to the church and the world.'
The statement said many parishioners had the privilege of seeing Francis during World Youth Days and pilgrimages to Rome.
'Most notably, the bishops of New Zealand have met with him personally, and they often spoke of his warmth, simplicity, and his genuine care for all people.
'He was a pope who truly lived the Gospel – a shepherd who smelled of the sheep, as he liked to say – and we will remember him with deep affection.'
They said their prayer was that the new pope would continue the 'spirit of mercy and inclusivity Francis embodied – championing the poor, caring for creation, and being a bridge-builder in a divided world'.
'We hope the new Holy Father will listen deeply to the cries of the Earth and of humanity, guiding the church with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today's complex world.'
John Paul College principal Justin Harper said: 'We were saddened to hear the news last night, especially after seeing that Pope Francis was able to attend the Easter Mass at the Vatican.'
The college would start the next term with a memorial service to celebrate Francis' life and contribution, and flags were at half-mast as a sign of respect, he said.
'Pope Francis will be remembered as a 'first' for the church. He was the first South American pope and also the first Jesuit pope.
'His legacy includes positive changes to the church, which include a recent synod.'
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