Parish News

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness was a beacon of hope and compassion, whose teachings and actions profoundly impacted individuals, families, and communities across the world.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis walked in the footsteps of Jesus, extending compassion and dignity to the poor, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the sick, those in prison, and all who were marginalised. His deep empathy and commitment to social justice inspired people of all faiths and backgrounds.

In the final week of his life, Pope Francis visited a prison in Rome — an act that reflected his lifelong ministry to those on the margins. He consistently demonstrated a profound respect for the dignity of every individual, embracing people from diverse backgrounds and communities and was a passionate advocate of Indigenous rights.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Agnes SheehanCEO, CatholicCare Victoria

For twelve years, our Holy Father has urged a new missionary heart in the Catholic community, cultivating a spirit of Gospel-centred reform, of shared and collaborative leadership, of a simple faith in the risen Jesus who is alive in his Church.

As successor of St Peter, Pope Francis has displayed a heart for the poor, praying unceasingly for peace, fraternity and dialogue. As the source of unity among the successors of the apostles, he has confirmed the local church in every place, including our Archdiocesan family in Melbourne.

I am conscious of the great humility Pope Francis showed when granting a few Melbourne pilgrims to spend time with him in an audience in 2023, when we were traveling for World Youth Day, during which some of our younger teachers asked questions, and received frank and fearless answers from the pope.

Pope Francis has impacted directly on those of us who serve in Catholic education as he has invited us, always through hope, to renew our relationship daily with Christ. Only from this simple trust will we flourish.

We pray also to the Holy Spirit to guide those tasked with the election of the new Bishop of Rome, and pray to the Lord so that He blesses Pope Francis’ successor in the time ahead.

Dr Edward Simons

Executive Director

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools