A life of mercy, hope and joy

Today we share in the sorrow of billions of people around the world as we mourn the death of Pope Francis. The Holy Father died last night, on Easter Monday, only hours after blessing the crowds who had gathered in St Peter's Square on Easter Day. It is especially poignant that we are giving thanks for the life of Pope Francis at Easter, a fitting time to remember a man whose inspiring life and papacy were so marked by hope, joy and mercy.

Tributes have flowed from both Church and secular leaders—including Archbishop of Melbourne Peter A Comensoli and Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe—as Catholics from across Melbourne also remember and give thanks for a pope who for more than 12 years shepherded us with such joyful and humble dedication.

The joy, hope and spirit of renewal that are Pope Francis’ legacy were powerfully on display over the weekend as we celebrated the culmination of Holy Week at St Patrick's Cathedral on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and at the Easter Vigil. We share some images and highlights.

May the peace of the risen Christ be with us all as we remember and pray for Pope Francis in the coming days and weeks.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Statement on the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis
Responding to news of the death of Pope Francis on the evening of Easter Monday, 21 April, Australian time, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli wrote to the People of God in Melbourne, sharing his sorrow, paying tribute to the Holy Father as ‘a witness of joy and hope’ and calling on all the faithful to pray for the eternal rest of his soul.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
‘A witness of joy and hope’: Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday, aged 88
On Easter Monday, the world received the sad news that Pope Francis had died in Rome at the age of 88, having struggled with lung disease in recent months. Only a day after he had appeared in St Peter’s Square to bless the thousands of people gathered there to celebrate Easter, Church leaders and others paid tribute to a pope who ‘taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised’.
 
 
Pope Francis, servant of a ‘poor Church for the poor’
Following the sad news last night that Pope Francis has died at his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican, we look back at his inspiring life and papacy, giving thanks for his example of humility and service, and for his legacy, which speaks powerfully of the Easter message of mercy, hope, joy and renewal.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Melburnians remember Pope Francis: ‘He was such a joyful person’
While the death of Pope Francis wasn’t a complete shock given his recent ill health, the passing of the Holy Father nevertheless hit home for millions of Catholics around the world. At home, Melburnians, including Susan Pascoe AM and youth leader Kyle Correya, reflect on the warmth and peaceful demeanour of the 266th pontiff, whose 12 years as pope marked a time of spiritual renewal and progress.
 
 
Easter at St Patrick’s Cathedral 2025
The Archdiocese of Melbourne celebrated Easter in a spirit of hope. Thousands turned out to Holy Week Masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral to solemnly remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and to experience the joy of his resurrection.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Pope’s funeral rites begin as a celebration of hope
Pope Francis’ funeral rites began after his death on 21 April. At his request, the funeral ritual has been simplified to reflect Pope Francis’ understanding of the role of the Bishop of Rome as that of ‘a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world’.
 
 
Remembering Pope Francis
Australian Catholics mourn Pope Francis
Responding to the news of Pope Francis’ death on 21 April, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB remembered the late Pope ‘as a man of simplicity, humility and compassion’, calling Australian Catholics to pray ‘that the mercy and compassion of God which he proclaimed to the world will now embrace him as he enters into the mystery of eternal life’.
 
 
‘The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ—crucified and risen from the dead—hope does not disappoint! ... Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.’
 
 
Pope Francis
proclaiming our Easter hope in his his 'urbi et orbi' address, which was read to the crowd gathered in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the day before he died
 
 
Upcoming events
Six30 Holy Hour
Thursday 15 May 2025 6.30pm –7.30pm
Join with young Catholics from across the city for a time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, music and an opportunity for confession. Please note that various venues will be used for Six30 Holy Hour throughout 2025. Please check venue details each week on the Events page of Melbourne Catholic ...
 
More info
Solemn Pontifical Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis
Monday 28 April 2025
1.00pm–2.00pm
A Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Monday 28 April at 1pm. All are welcome. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed and broadcast on Community ...
 
More info
 

Please note that some events may need to be postponed or times changed over the coming days and weeks as we observe an official period of mourning for Pope Francis. Please see the Melbourne Catholic events page and follow our social media accounts for updates.

This newsletter is published by the Communications Office
of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
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