‘It’s a happy day’: Melbourne’s Catholic community rejoices over new pope

Leading Melbourne Catholics have been celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, describing the moment as one of “profound joy” and “very special” for the city’s Catholic community.

The selection of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV comes as a celebration for members of Melbourne’s Catholic community.

Catholic Social Services Victoria executive director Joshua Lourensz told the Herald Sun the organisation was “really encouraged” by his naming.

“Pope Francis was very attentive to the work of social services so this is of great encouragement for us and all our member organisations,” Mr Lourensz said.

“He is an Augustinian priest, and the Augustinians have been a presence in Australia for a long time.

“The South Yarra Parish has done great work, so we’re rapt to see a Pope come out of a tradition of helping the disadvantaged.”

In the halls of their Knox office, Mr Lourensz said there was an atmosphere of “joyousness”.

“In a time of uncertainty around the world and locally, to have someone committed to building bridges is a dialogue that resonates so strongly,” he said.

“There is a general sense of happiness that there is care and concern not just for those within the Catholic Church but for those outside of it as well.”

Archbishop Peter A Comensoli of Melbourne has congratulated Pope Leo XIV in what was a ‘pivotal moment in the life of God’s people’ with ‘profound joy’. Picture: AAP

There was a similar feeling among those attending 11am Mass at St Francis’ in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday morning.

Church-goer Irene Mie attended with her two young sons to “give thanks to God”.

“It’s very special,” she said.

“I’m very thankful for the new Pope. It’s a happy day.”

The Conclave was deeply personal for fellow church-goer Antonella.

“There is celebration, always, but being Catholic goes beyond the new Pope – it’s about what’s inside of you, and what you feel in the church,” she said.

Father Ben Ho, who was leading the service, told this masthead “we’re happy and excited for the newly elected Pope and we ask God to continue to bless him”.

In a public statement, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli of Melbourne said he extended his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV in what was a “pivotal moment in the life of God’s people” with “profound joy”.

“On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of our local Church here in Melbourne, I offer heartfelt prayers for His Holiness as he assumes great responsibility of Successor to Saint Peter,” the statement read.

“May the Holy Spirit guide him with wisdom, courage, compassion and strength as he shepherds the universal Church in true and charity.”

Originally published as ‘It’s a happy day’: Melbourne’s Catholic community rejoices over new pope