Premier Jacinta Allan among those to pay tribute to the pope, who she described as a ‘relentless voice for the marginalised’
The death of Pope Francis has drawn tributes from members of the Catholic Church in Victoria and the state’s political leaders.
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Victorians have paid tribute to Pope Francis after his death on Easter Monday, aged 88.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, on Tuesday said “this sadness is our human reaction to the death of a much-loved father”.
“Pope Francis was a Pope of peace. In a world devastated by war he called for peace and justice,” he said.
“I am grateful for the late Holy Father’s frequent appeals for a just peace in Ukraine and for the efforts of the Holy See that he oversaw, known and secret, that in some way helped bring relief to the imprisoned and suffering.”
The Ukrainian-born cardinal was elevated to his rank in December last year by Pope Francis, after which he asked the pope to pray for Ukraine.
The 45-year-old is the world’s youngest cardinal, and was on a pilgrimage to the Middle East when the Pope passed.
He will immediately make his way to Rome to take part in the Conclave to elect the 267th Pope.
He asked all Catholics and “people of good will” to pray for the Pope and to give thanks for his life.
Premier remembers Pope’s ‘message of peace’
On Monday, Premier Jacinta Allan remembered the pope as a “tireless advocate for the poor” and a “relentless voice for the marginalised”.
“Across Victoria, and around the world, Catholics are united as they mourn the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome,” she wrote on X on Monday night.
“Pope Francis was a leader of the Church, and a leader of the world.
“He believed that caring for the sick was part of the Church’s essential mission – and that compassion for the vulnerable was core to the human condition.”
Ms Allan said the religious leader’s message of “peace, courage, and humility” was one that has “never mattered more”.
“I offer my sincere condolences to Catholic communities across Victoria as they grieve his profound loss,” she wrote.
“May he rest in eternal peace.”
Opposition leader Brad Battin wrote: “I offer my condolences to the Catholic community of Victoria at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His devotion to God and the Christian faith was admirable and abiding. His lifelong service to the Church was a testament to the values of peace, mercy and tolerance. May he rest in peace.”
Lord Mayor Nick Reece wrote in a tribute: “I am deeply saddened by the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and send my condolences to Melburnians and every person who is mourning his loss.
“Beloved by more than a million Catholics in Melbourne, and more than a billion Catholics across the world, Pope Francis leaves a legacy of great compassion, humility and spiritual leadership.
“Pope Francis often described the Catholic Church as “a field hospital” tending to the wounded and vulnerable. His vision for the Church was one focused on healing, forgiveness and compassion – rather than internal affairs or defending its interests.
“He was known for his charity and promoting interfaith dialogue which resonated across peoples and faiths.
“He made caring for vulnerable migrants a hallmark of his papacy, often at odds with politicians and those in government.
“On the environment, he dedicated an encyclical warning against the dangers of exploiting nature and saw protection of the planet as a moral responsibility.
“He was a Pope of the people, a true servant of God.
“As we mourn his death, we celebrate the gift of his life.”
Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said he had received the news of the death of Pope Francis with “deep sadness’’.
“We unite with all the People of God in praying for the eternal rest of his soul and entrust him to the tender loving mercy of the Father.
“Pope Francis, who came from the peripheries of the world, has been a father of the poor, and a witness of joy and hope. May the Lord, he so faithfully trusted in, now welcome him into eternal life.’’
Archbishop Comensoli said St Patrick’s Cathedral in East Melbourne would open early on Tuesday morning for prayer and remembrance.
Originally published as Premier Jacinta Allan among those to pay tribute to the pope, who she described as a ‘relentless voice for the marginalised’
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