Queensland Senator Matthew Canavan introduced a motion in Parliament yesterday “wishing Pope Leo XIV best wishes for his pontificate”. Source: The Catholic Leader.
“The world was transfixed on the Vatican for the election of the new Pope,” Senator Canavan said in a Facebook post.
“The Catholic Church continues a more than 2000 year tradition of humbly following the example of Jesus Christ.”
An image of the motion he shared online showed signatures from many other senators.
The full motion introduced reads that the Senate:
a) Congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American to serve in this sacred role;
b) Notes that His Holiness is the first Pope of the Augustinian Order and its charism which prizes Love (caritas), Truth (veritas), Unity (unitas) and the pursuit of wisdom for the common good;
c) Acknowledges the profound global significance of the papacy and its role in promoting peace, human dignity, and moral leadership;
d) Extends its prayers to His Holiness as he begins his pontificate and shepherds the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics with wisdom and grace;
e) Commends His Holiness for a lifetime of service, humility, missionary zeal, and commitment to embodying Christ’s mercy and pastoral care; and
f) Along with the five million Australian Catholics, extends to His Holiness goodwill and wishes him a fruitful pontificate.
Senator Canavan also shared his condolences in the Senate for Pope Francis .
“Despite the criticism, the fascination and, sometimes, the contempt that many have for the Catholic Church, it was to me instructive to see that both the passing of Pope Francis and the election of new pope Leo XIV fascinated the world for months, Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” he said.
“The world’s eyes were on Rome and on the goings-on in the Vatican at the time.
“To me, that shows the importance of defending the faith, defending what people do think is the right faith, despite the criticism.”
FULL STORY
Queensland senator introduces motion sharing congratulations and prayers for Pope Leo on his election (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
