Catholic organisations in Australia have expressed sorrow at the death of Pope Francis and gratitude for his 12-year papacy.
“Today, we have lost a shepherd whose unwavering commitment to the poor and vulnerable has been the cornerstone of his papacy,” Jerry Nockles, executive director of Catholic Social Services Australia, said.
“Pope Francis’s call for a ‘poor Church for the poor’ has been a guiding light for our organisation and the countless Australians we serve,” Dr Nockles said.
“The Holy Father’s emphasis on mercy and compassion aligned perfectly with CSSA’s mission to uphold the dignity of every person and to build communities where all can flourish.”
National Catholic Education Commission executive director Jacinta Collins expressed profound sadness and gratitude for the Pope’s unwavering commitment to education as a path to peace, justice and human dignity.
“Pope Francis was a global voice for the poor, the young, and the marginalised. His belief in education as a tool for transformation resonates deeply with the mission of Catholic schools,” Ms Collins said.
“Under his pontificate, Catholic educators across the world were encouraged to lead with care, understanding and hope in nurturing the faith lives of young people and sharing the joy of the Gospel message.
“Pope Francis inspired a generation of young people to live with courage and compassion. His legacy will continue to guide our work in Catholic schools and shape the hearts and minds of students for generations to come.”
Caritas Australia chair Robert Fitzgerald said: “Caritas gives thanks to God for the life and leadership of a figure of enormous hope. We pray that we will embody his mission of humble service to those in greatest need and to creation. The world has been richly blessed and will mourn his loss.”
Catholic Health Australia chair Jenny Parker said Francis “will be remembered for his grace, humility, leadership and advocacy, in particular for the poor and those living on the margins of society who find themselves in difficult and challenging circumstances”.
“The profound impact of his encyclical Laudato Si’ reignited in the Church a powerful mission to protect our common home and its most vulnerable inhabitants, a call that forms the foundation of Catholic health and aged care services’ continued dedication towards a healthier planet and people,” Ms Parker said.
“His focus on synodality also encouraged new ways of working and thinking for our ministries that will bear fruit for many years to come.”
Vincent Granahan, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of the Southern Cross, described Francis as a “great mind and a gifted writer” and also praised Laudato Si’ and his commitment to “firmly defending the sanctity of life”.
FULL STORY
Catholic Social Services Australia mourns the passing of Pope Francis (Catholic Social Services)
Catholic Education pays tribute to Pope Francis’ legacy for youth and education (National Catholic Education Commission)
Caritas Australia expresses deep sorrow following the death of Pope Francis (Caritas Australia)
Statement on Pope Francis (Catholic Health Australia)
The Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis (Knights of the Southern Cross)
