26-04-2025
Conclave has golden opportunity to cement Pope's reforms
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THE FORUM
Inspired by Malcolm Knox's plea for another 'woke pope' ('Next pope may be 'worse'. I hope so', 26/4), the Vatican conclave has a golden opportunity to cement the reforms initiated by the late Pope Francis, particularly in acknowledging the dignity of every human being and encouraging us all to be compassionate and empathetic towards our fellow men and women, particularly migrants and the poor.
Pope Francis and hopefully his successor will stand in sharp contrast to the counter-Christian messages and policies coming out of the White House under Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Nick Toovey, Beaumaris
A lengthy service
US President Donald Trump said on social media that he and his wife, Melania, were looking forward to attending the funeral of Pope Francis. I wonder if he realised just how long these ceremonies can last? The order of service was 87 pages.
Margaret Ady, Avondale Heights
Respect differing views
I was appalled to see neo-Nazis disrupting Anzac Day by shouting during the Acknowledgement of Country at the dawn service ('Neo-Nazi Anzac ambush condemned but unlikely to breach hate laws', 26/3). Their deliberate belittling of First Nations people and stoking of hatred in our nation is a frightening development.
Equally dismaying was Melbourne Storm – my club – seemingly capitulating to this campaign by omitting the Welcome to Country at Friday night's match. How could our inclusive club be the first to fold?
I understand some Australians dislike Welcome to Country ceremonies. Fair enough. I've never been keen on singing praise to the King or Queen, but I stand respectfully, recognising its importance to others. That's community – ensuring everyone feels welcome and belongs.
We should not abide hatred and disrespect. Let the voices of decency ring louder.
Lesley Podesta, South Melbourne
Kiwis do it better
At the Anzac memorial service in Gallipoli, it was riveting to hear New Zealand dignitaries delivering their speeches in Maori language and song. Yet, here in Australia, it has become acceptable to boo the gracious practice of Welcome to Country.
Although Opposition Leader Peter Dutton conceded that 'Welcome to Country should be supported for significant occasions', his stance, as well as that of his DOGE tsar, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, is inimical to it as unpatriotic, divisive and costly.
What is missed in this argument is that when Aboriginal people speak of 'Country', they are not referring to the nation of Australia; they are speaking of the land, their cherished connection to Mother Earth.
We would do well to educate ourselves on these cultural sensitivities and emulate our neighbours from New Zealand in respect for our Indigenous reality.
Rose Marie Crowe, McKinnon
Dutton's history
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton rightly denounced the booing at the Welcome to Country at the dawn service. Yet, this is the same Peter Dutton who walked out of the National Apology. It is the same Peter Dutton who led the divisive No campaign against an Indigenous Voice to parliament.
Dutton ought to look to his own actions before condemning others.
Christine Morris, Wyndham Vale
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Policy confusion
The Coalition really cannot get their act together on a number of policies. The latest is Peter Dutton saying Welcome to Country ceremonies are an 'important part of official ceremonies' in relation to what happened at the Anzac Day dawn service, while his hand-picked 'DOGE' minister, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, has said she would cut the funding for Welcome to Country ceremonies if elected to government.
Ludi Servadei, Malvern East
