Pope Francis’ legacy in the areas of social justice, mission and lay governance have been recognised by Australian Catholic organisations.
Paying tribute to the late pontiff, the St Vincent de Paul Society Australia’s national president Mark Gaetani noted his commitment to social justice issues such as the welfare of migrants and refugees.
“In death as in life, the spirit and ideals of the late Pontiff continue to inspire the actions of people worldwide,” Mr Gaetani said.
“By his choice of name, dress, place of residence and actions such us visiting Lampedusa [the landing place for many desperate refugees] and washing the feet of prisoners, Pope Francis showed us that his papacy would be focused on the most vulnerable.
“The example of Il Papa, or ‘The Father’, as he’s called in Italian, inspires not only Catholics but the many millions who oppose discrimination and exclusion, and who support his calls for compassion and justice for those coming from distant lands.”
Catholic Mission Australia’s national director Fr Brian Lucas said Pope Francis was a “shepherd of missionary hope”.
“As the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia, we reflect on his unwavering commitment to missionary discipleship and his enduring legacy of compassion and outreach,” Fr Lucas said.
“Today, we grieve the loss of a shepherd whose life and teaching reminded us of our duty to reach out to the peripheries, to embrace the marginalised, and to be bearers of hope in a world often overshadowed by despair.”
Moira Najdecki, chair of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons, expressed her thanks for “the life of a remarkable leader, who has led the Church into a dialogue with the modern world with a hope-filled and joy-filled approach”.
“Perhaps Pope Francis’s greatest legacy will be the promotion of lay people, and in particular women, into positions of governance in the Church,” Ms Najdecki said.
“Allowing religious and lay people to have full leadership responsibilities has ushered in their much greater participation in the life of the Church. It has also strengthened Church leadership by making many more capable leaders available for senior leadership positions.
“Pope Francis’s synodal approach to governance also allows lay people to participate increasingly in key decisions taken in parishes and dioceses. This will empower the Church to address its challenges and be an attractive and positive community in countries like Australia.”
FULL STORY
In Memoriam Pope Francis (St Vincent de Paul Society)
Catholic Mission Australia Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis: A Shepherd of Missionary Hope (Catholic Mission)
AMPJP pays tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging his reform of lay governance in the Church (AMPJP)
