Latest news with #54thInternationalEucharisticCongress
7NEWS
20-05-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Inside Anthony Albanese's historic meeting with Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV has met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace inside Vatican City, with Albanese using the opportunity to invite the pontiff to Sydney in 2028. It is 16 years since an Australian PM had a private audience with a pope, the pair discussing shared concerns around global conflicts and the resulting humanitarian impacts. The prime minister reflected on the Holy See's important role in promoting dialogue as part of international efforts to achieve just and lasting peace and to alleviate suffering. Albanese formally invited the Pope to Australia for the 54th International Eucharistic Congress, which Sydney is hosting in 2028, presenting His Holiness with a formal letter of invitation. Pope Benedict XVI was the last pontiff to visit Australia back in 2008 for World Youth Day. There was a gift exchange as part of the occasion. Albanese presented His Holiness with Australian red wine and artwork by indigenous artist Amanda Westley, who is part of the Ngarrindjeri tribe in South Australia. The artwork is called Raukkan, meaning meeting place, and is named after a Ngarrindjeri community located 80km southeast of Adelaide. Albanese also had his mum Maryanne's rosary beads blessed by the Pope. The Prime Minister congratulated Leo on his election and thanked him for the invitation to attend the mass, which marks the start of his pontificate. Albanese is now flying home from Rome and will stop over in Singapore, where will meet re-elected Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The Vatican detailed the Pope's meeting with Albanese in a statement, stating that 'warm appreciation was expressed' for the relations between the pontiff and Australia, specifically the Catholic Church's contribution to society and education. 'An exchange of views then took place on the socio-political situation of the country, focusing in particular on themes of mutual interest, including environmental protection, integral human development and the freedom of religion,' the statement concluded.
Sky News AU
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Anthony Albanese invites newly-elected Pope Leo XIV to Sydney for 2028 International Eucharistic Congress, as Australian bishops welcome new pontiff
Australian clergy members have welcomed the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, with the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher saying it is 'very likely' the newly elected Pope will visit Australia. Robert Prevost, 69, will be the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, and will be known as Leo XIV. Leo XIV is the first Pope to come from North America, continuing the departure from centuries of tradition that began with Pope Francis, the first non-European Pope in more than 1,300 years. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warmly welcomed Leo XIV to the role, inviting the pontiff to the 54th International Eucharistic Congress which Australia is hosting in 2028. Held every four years, the week-long celebration of the Catholic faith is expected to draw thousands of faithful from all over the globe to Sydney. "Today is a momentous day for Catholics around the world and faithful in Australia, and I join them in congratulating their Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome, on his election overnight,' the Prime Minister said. 'As the first North American pope, Pope Leo XIV's leadership comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and the world. 'Australia will invite His Holiness Pope Leo to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress being proudly hosted in 2028. 'My government looks forward to continuing Australia's strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate.' Australia has not hosted a papal visit since Pope Benedict in 2008. Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher, who has met Pope Leo XIV a number of times, also floated the possibility the pontiff would make his way Down Under for the event. 'I've met the Holy Father a few times and I think it's a very good appointment. I think we can be very confident that we have in the Pope a man with a true missionary heart who will want to bring the gospel to all humanity,' he told Sky News. 'We have a man from a religious order who is therefore very committed to the simplicity of life and community life.' Archbishop Fisher said he 'very much looks forward to him coming to Australia' and added that it was 'very likely" he would visit for the Eucharistic Congress. 'I think Australians will open him with open arms,' he said. Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli said Leo XIV's appointment came at a 'pivotal moment', warmly expressing his congratulations to the new leader of the Catholic Church. 'With profound joy, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected Holy Father, and Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV,' Archbishop Comensoli said. 'On behalf of the Clergy, religious, and faithful of our local Church here in Melbourne, I offer heartfelt prayers for His Holiness as he assumes the great responsibility of Successor to Saint Peter. 'May the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength as he shepherds the universal Church in truth and charity. 'We entrust his petrine ministry to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, loving Mother of the Church; and to St Augustine- and give thanks to God for the gift of his leadership at this pivotal moment in the life of God's people.'
