Latest news with #AustralianCatholics
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Flags to Fly at Half-Mast in Australia for Pope Francis
Flags across Australia will be lowered on April 22 as a mark of respect following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Soon after the news broke, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had directed the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure all flags outside of Commonwealth government building were at half-mast a day after Easter Monday. More than 5 million Australian Catholics—around 20 per cent of the population—are mourning the death of the spiritual leader. Albanese expressed his sympathy, stating, 'Australian Catholics and faithful around the world give thanks for the life of their Holy Father, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome.' 'And my sincere condolences to everyone for whom tonight, it will be a very difficult evening.' The prime minister praised Pope Francis for his universal compassion, saying it 'embraced all humanity,' and noted the pontiff would be 'mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.' Related Stories 4/21/2025 4/21/2025 Albanese also spoke of the Pope's deep connection to Australia, 'The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere was close to the people of Australia. For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father.' Dutton Reflects on Pope's Legacy Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended condolences on behalf of the Coalition, saying, 'His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life. He was the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first Latin American Pope. He lived frugally and simply.' Dutton said the Pope was guided foremost by Christ's teachings of mercy and forgiveness. He highlighted the pontiff's focus on these values in his final Christmas message, 'God's mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God's mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.' Governor-General Sam Mostyn also honoured the Pope, calling his September 2024 visit to the region a testament to his global commitment. 'As millions of Australian Catholics mourn a spiritual guide, father and friend, we can all reflect on His Holiness' message of peace; of respect for the rights and dignity of every member of our human family; and care for the Earth, our common home,' she said. A Papacy That Touched Many Lives Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pontiff in 2013. Born in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936, to Italian immigrants Mario and Regina, he initially trained as a chemical technician before choosing the priesthood. Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was noted for his humility, simplicity, and deep concern for the poor and marginalised. AAP contributed to this article.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australians hail Pope Leo as 'own man' and missionary
American Robert Prevost's elevation to the papacy is being welcomed by Australian Catholics, who say he "will be his own man" in the role. Cardinal Prevost will be known by the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first American and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the lead the faith. Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said he had been impressed during their previous meetings and always thought the Chicago native was a "rough chance" to become Pope. "But I was surprised when I woke early to the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV - I was also delighted," he said. Archbishop Coleridge said despite a rapid rise Pope Leo wasn't a man to "rush things" and had an air of calm that would serve him well in his new role. "He struck me as a man who ... was hard to fluster, a good driver in heavy traffic ... he will be his own man," he said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli had also met Pope Leo several times, saying he was a "great listener" with "wide experience and great depth of faith". "Clearly the cardinals were confident that they chose Cardinal Prevost," Archbishop Comensoli told AAP. "It's great news. We have a chief shepherd and we will all look forward to getting a sense of him, as he begins his ministry." The Chicago native's "missionary heart" would hold him in good stead, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said. "Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said. "It was very moving that the Holy Father opened his first address to a watching world with a greeting of peace, and repeated the central truth of the gospel, that God loves all of us 'without any limits or conditions'." Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process. Archbishop Fisher, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, invited Leo to the International Eucharistic Congress, to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. Mr Albanese said the appointment brought joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. "May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity," he said. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered the Catholic church in Australia's heartfelt congratulations. "Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru," he said. Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said Pope Leo's appointment came at a critical time when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable. "Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Dr Nockles said. Cardinal Mykola Bychok was the sole Australian representative at the conclave in Rome. Archbishop Costelloe and Sale Bishop Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the church in Australia. American Robert Prevost's elevation to the papacy is being welcomed by Australian Catholics, who say he "will be his own man" in the role. Cardinal Prevost will be known by the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first American and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the lead the faith. Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said he had been impressed during their previous meetings and always thought the Chicago native was a "rough chance" to become Pope. "But I was surprised when I woke early to the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV - I was also delighted," he said. Archbishop Coleridge said despite a rapid rise Pope Leo wasn't a man to "rush things" and had an air of calm that would serve him well in his new role. "He struck me as a man who ... was hard to fluster, a good driver in heavy traffic ... he will be his own man," he said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli had also met Pope Leo several times, saying he was a "great listener" with "wide experience and great depth of faith". "Clearly the cardinals were confident that they chose Cardinal Prevost," Archbishop Comensoli told AAP. "It's great news. We have a chief shepherd and we will all look forward to getting a sense of him, as he begins his ministry." The Chicago native's "missionary heart" would hold him in good stead, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said. "Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said. "It was very moving that the Holy Father opened his first address to a watching world with a greeting of peace, and repeated the central truth of the gospel, that God loves all of us 'without any limits or conditions'." Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process. Archbishop Fisher, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, invited Leo to the International Eucharistic Congress, to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. Mr Albanese said the appointment brought joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. "May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity," he said. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered the Catholic church in Australia's heartfelt congratulations. "Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru," he said. Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said Pope Leo's appointment came at a critical time when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable. "Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Dr Nockles said. Cardinal Mykola Bychok was the sole Australian representative at the conclave in Rome. Archbishop Costelloe and Sale Bishop Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the church in Australia. American Robert Prevost's elevation to the papacy is being welcomed by Australian Catholics, who say he "will be his own man" in the role. Cardinal Prevost will be known by the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first American and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the lead the faith. Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said he had been impressed during their previous meetings and always thought the Chicago native was a "rough chance" to become Pope. "But I was surprised when I woke early to the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV - I was also delighted," he said. Archbishop Coleridge said despite a rapid rise Pope Leo wasn't a man to "rush things" and had an air of calm that would serve him well in his new role. "He struck me as a man who ... was hard to fluster, a good driver in heavy traffic ... he will be his own man," he said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli had also met Pope Leo several times, saying he was a "great listener" with "wide experience and great depth of faith". "Clearly the cardinals were confident that they chose Cardinal Prevost," Archbishop Comensoli told AAP. "It's great news. We have a chief shepherd and we will all look forward to getting a sense of him, as he begins his ministry." The Chicago native's "missionary heart" would hold him in good stead, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said. "Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said. "It was very moving that the Holy Father opened his first address to a watching world with a greeting of peace, and repeated the central truth of the gospel, that God loves all of us 'without any limits or conditions'." Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process. Archbishop Fisher, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, invited Leo to the International Eucharistic Congress, to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. Mr Albanese said the appointment brought joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. "May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity," he said. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered the Catholic church in Australia's heartfelt congratulations. "Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru," he said. Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said Pope Leo's appointment came at a critical time when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable. "Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Dr Nockles said. Cardinal Mykola Bychok was the sole Australian representative at the conclave in Rome. Archbishop Costelloe and Sale Bishop Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the church in Australia. American Robert Prevost's elevation to the papacy is being welcomed by Australian Catholics, who say he "will be his own man" in the role. Cardinal Prevost will be known by the name Pope Leo XIV and is the first American and first native English-speaker to be appointed to the lead the faith. Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said he had been impressed during their previous meetings and always thought the Chicago native was a "rough chance" to become Pope. "But I was surprised when I woke early to the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV - I was also delighted," he said. Archbishop Coleridge said despite a rapid rise Pope Leo wasn't a man to "rush things" and had an air of calm that would serve him well in his new role. "He struck me as a man who ... was hard to fluster, a good driver in heavy traffic ... he will be his own man," he said. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli had also met Pope Leo several times, saying he was a "great listener" with "wide experience and great depth of faith". "Clearly the cardinals were confident that they chose Cardinal Prevost," Archbishop Comensoli told AAP. "It's great news. We have a chief shepherd and we will all look forward to getting a sense of him, as he begins his ministry." The Chicago native's "missionary heart" would hold him in good stead, Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said. "Like the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church the experience of being part of a religious order with an emphasis on simplicity and community," he said. "It was very moving that the Holy Father opened his first address to a watching world with a greeting of peace, and repeated the central truth of the gospel, that God loves all of us 'without any limits or conditions'." Leo spent decades as a missionary in Peru, before Pope Francis appointed him to lead the Vatican's bishop selection process. Archbishop Fisher, along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, invited Leo to the International Eucharistic Congress, to be hosted in Sydney in 2028. Mr Albanese said the appointment brought joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. "May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity," he said. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe offered the Catholic church in Australia's heartfelt congratulations. "Cardinal Prevost brought to his most recent role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops an approachability and willingness to listen which were no doubt developed throughout his many years as an Augustinian missionary in Peru," he said. Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles said Pope Leo's appointment came at a critical time when the world yearned for compassionate leadership grounded in gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable. "Pope Leo's election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins," Dr Nockles said. Cardinal Mykola Bychok was the sole Australian representative at the conclave in Rome. Archbishop Costelloe and Sale Bishop Greg Bennet have indicated they will travel to Rome for the installation representing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the church in Australia.
SBS Australia
09-05-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Midday News Bulletin 9 May 2025
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with . TRANSCRIPT: Australian Catholics react to the election of a new Pope; India and Pakistan accuse each other of a spate of drone attacks as tensions continue to escalate; Los Angeles launches a beautification program ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The Australian Catholic community has welcomed the election of the new Pope, American Cardinal Robert Prevost who will be now known as Leo the fourteenth. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has said the new pontiff is known for being approachable and willing to listen. Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Jerry Nockles says Pope Leo's appointment has come at a critical time when the world is yearning for compassionate leadership. Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese has released a statement inviting the pontiff to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2028, and declaring his government will continue its strong relationship with the Holy See. "This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. May the papacy of Pope Leo the fourteenth advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity." Religious researchers say the swift election of the new pope could be a promising sign for unity within the Church as it moves forward. 69 year old American Robert Prevost - now known as Pope Leo the fourteenth - was selected after just four rounds of voting. The new pontiff is seen as being aligned with the progressive values of the former Pope Francis. But President of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago Barbara Reid says it is unusual to elect a cardinal from a country with major secular influence, and she and her colleagues were surprised. "We didn't think that the cardinal electors would lean toward choosing an American, but of course Pope Leo XIV, as Father John just said, has the heart of a Peruvian as well and has deeply endeared himself to the church in Latin America and has exercised his ministry these last several years on behalf of the whole world church while he's been in Rome." India and Pakistan are accusing each other of a spate of drone attacks, as the neighbouring countries enter a third day of strikes and reprisals. Pakistan's army says it has shot down 28 Indian drones, while New Delhi has accused Islamabad of launching raids with drones and missiles, and claimed it destroyed an air defence system in Lahore. On both sides of the conflict, waged in Kashmir, at least 48 people are dead. The fighting comes two weeks after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which Pakistan has denied. Former Prime Minister Paul Keating has slammed the demotion of Ed Husic from Labor's new second term Cabinet. Mr Keating has released a statement calling Mr Husic's expulsion as the Cabinet's sole Muslim member an appalling denial of the former Industry Minister's diligence. He says it also represents a contempt for what he has described as the measured and centrist support provided by the broader Islamic community at the general election. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has defended Anthony Albanese's decision ahead of the Labor caucus meeting in Canberra today to endorse the new slate. "Only 30 spots are available. Inevitably there are more people who could serve as really effective ministers... And it can be tough, but we need to balance stability with renewal." Liberals M-P Sussan Ley has confirmed she is nominating to be the new leader of the Opposition party. Ms Ley has told Channel 7 she is running because the Liberals need a new approach. "It's about making sure that I am listening to my colleagues and that I demonstrate to them that we want a strong approach that includes everyone." Sussan Ley will be competing for the job against Angus Taylor and Jacinta Price - who has defected from the Nationals to the Liberals in order to bid for the top role. Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie has told Sky News she is disappointed by the Senator's defection. "We're a tight team. We're a close knit team. We fought many battles together, and whilst we're strong coalitionists, we are very, very separate parties, and so it's very disappointing news." Queensland has appointed a new coroner who will focus on fatalities in the state's multi billion dollar mining sector. North Queensland barrister, Wayne Pennell, has been named to the role. Seven people have died in Queensland mines since 2022, but Natural Resources Minister Dale Last says some families have been waiting years for answers about what happened to their loved ones. Los Angeles has launched a program that it says will beautify the city ahead of the next Olympic Games in 2028, months after a series of devastating fires that reduced entire neighbourhoods to ash. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover says the Games will also be a unifying event, with these Olympics the first time the city will also host a Paralympics. ParalympIic athlete Natalia Mayara says that is an important milestone. "The LA 28 Games really has the opportunity to reshape the conversation about disabilities and really show everybody that the Paralympic Games is all about elite competition."
SBS Australia
28-04-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
SBS News in Easy English 28 April
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with . Pope Francis has been laid to rest in Rome. The pontiff's coffin has been carried into St Mary Major Basilica following a funeral ceremony and procession in Rome attended by 400,000 mourners. The service was also watched on a livestream around the world, including the Sacred Heart Parish Shrine church in the Philippines. Australian Catholics have also gathered across the country to commemorate the Pope's life in a series of local services. Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen has held a solemn mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta. "Whether it was the homeless, Indigenous peoples, prisoners, refugees, asylum seekers, gender diverse, divorced and remarried people, Pope Francis has personified the closeness and the pathos of God, for the people on the margins." Authorities fear the death toll from a car ramming in the Canadian city of Vancouver could rise in the coming days. Dozens have been left injured in the attack, which saw a 30 year old man drive his car into a crowd celebrating a Filipino festival ((and killed 11 people)). Vancouver Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai says some of those hurt are in critical condition. But British Columbia Premier David Eby says the government will do everything it can to help the survivors and the families of those who died. "This is a community that is suffering right now. We're gonna put our arms around them as all British Columbians. We're going to stand with them and support them just like they support us every single day in this province. It's their turn. It's there turn to get care from us." A coronial inquest is set to begin today into the mass stabbing attack at a shopping centre in Bondi Junction one year ago. The mandatory inquest will consider the circumstances of the deaths of the six victims and the attacker, who was shot dead by police at the scene. It will also consider the emergency response and adequacy of mental health services. The court will be using a trauma-informed approach during the five week inquest, which will include no sensitive CCTV or body cam vision to be played in court. Undecided voters have crowned the prime minister the debate winner after a chaotic and eccentric end to the final leaders' debate. The 60-strong live studio audience reached its decision after witnessing Anthony Albanese's final face-off against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton before voters head to the polls on Saturday. But almost 2.4 million Australians have already voted. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has criticised the frequency of Indigenous Welcome to Country ceremonies during the final leaders debate. He has called them "overdone" and divisive. "In relation to the Welcome to Country, otherwise, I think there is, and people have said this to me as we moved across the country, there is a sense across the community that it's overdone. For the opening of parliament, fair enough, it's respectful to do, but for the start of every meeting at work, or the start of a football game, I think a lot of Australians think it's overdone and it cheapens the significance of what it was meant to do. It divides the country, not dissimilar to what the Prime Minister did with the Voice." The topic has resurfaced in recent days after a known neo-Nazi booed during a Welcome to Country ceremony in Melbourne on ANZAC Day. The Melbourne Storm also cancelled a Welcome before a game at the weekend, citing a "miscommunication" for the decision. It later emerged that the club's director Brett Ralph is a significant donor to Advance, which is a lobby group campaigning to end the ritual. A mind-altering medication chemically akin to ketamine will be made cheaper for Australians suffering from treatment-resistant depression. From Thursday, Spravato will be available for up to 30,000 Australians through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Professor Ian Hickie is the co-director of Health and Policy at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre. He says this is the first new government- backed initiative to treat the chronic mental illness in decades, with no major pharmaceutical innovations for depression since the launch of Prozac and related antidepressants in the late 1980s. "Largely in fact over the last 60 years, most antidepressants have focused on one of the common monoamines: serotonin or adrenaline dopamine. This has a different chemical target: glutomate in the brain. So it's different. And it's the first drug to be supported by the PBS that is fundamentally different from all those compounds."
The Advertiser
27-04-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'Unexpected gift': Pope Francis farewelled in Australia
Australian Catholics have gathered to commemorate the life of Pope Francis at the first local services since his funeral, remembering him as a beacon of light for a world shrouded in darkness.
