In a moment of global mourning and solemn reflection, Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88.
United States Cardinal Kevin Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, announced that Pope Francis had died at 7:35 am (Rome Time) on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within Vatican City.
The day before his death, the Holy Father had appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to give his Easter blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world). His voice was weak and he had trouble raising his arm to make the sign of the cross, but afterward he got into the popemobile and drove through the crowds in St Peter’s Square.
Perth Archbishop and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB, led tributes from across Australia and the world, honouring the late Pope’s extraordinary legacy of humility, courage, and mercy.
“A Pope of Simplicity, Humility, and Compassion”
“The sad news of the death of Pope Francis, while it does not come as a surprise given his age and declining health in recent years, will be received with great sadness by Catholics, and by people of goodwill, all over the world,” Archbishop Costelloe said in a national statement released on Monday.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ historic election in 2013 as the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first non-European pope in over a millennium, Archbishop Costelloe praised his bold pastoral approach and deep personal witness.
“When Cardinal Bergoglio appeared on the balcony overlooking Saint Peter’s Square, his simplicity and humility set the tone for a papacy which would be marked by an emphasis on the mercy and compassion of God,” he said.
“He described the Church as a ‘field hospital’ – a place of healing where wounds could be tended and hearts could be warmed. That image has become iconic of his papacy and a call to mission for us all.”
A Voice for the Marginalised
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected pope on 13 March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
He quickly became known for his pastoral focus on the poor, the marginalised, and the environment – notably authoring Laudato Si’, a groundbreaking encyclical on ecological justice.
He often eschewed Vatican protocol and privilege, famously choosing simpler living quarters and frequently riding in a modest Ford Focus. His deep Jesuit spirituality shaped his approach to Church leadership, emphasising discernment, humility, and a personal relationship with Christ.
Archbishop Costelloe said that these values were foundational to the Pope’s legacy.
“His approach to leadership and service has been, and will continue to be, profoundly marked by his Jesuit background, reflecting a deep personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to making the Church a more inclusive, compassionate, and merciful place for all,” Archbishop Costelloe said in a pastoral statement to the Perth Catholic community.
A Shepherd for the Whole World
Pope Francis’ death has sparked tributes from political leaders, ecumenical and interfaith figures, and millions of Catholics worldwide.
While his papacy was not without controversy, especially amid internal debates over Church teachings and pastoral priorities, his steadfast commitment to dialogue and reconciliation made him a beloved global figure.
“He himself insisted that he was ‘a loyal son of the Church’ who, in recognising his own sinfulness, had come to understand that it was the task of the Church, as it was the task of Christ, to embrace people in their brokenness and fragility and lead them to healing and wholeness,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
In recent years, Pope Francis had increasingly turned his focus to synodality – encouraging global conversations about how the Church could become more listening, inclusive, and mission-focused.
Archbishop Costelloe played a key role in this movement through the Plenary Council of Australia and his contributions to the ongoing Synod on Synodality.
Perth Responds in Prayer and Unity
In the Archdiocese of Perth, Archbishop Costelloe has asked all parishes to commemorate Pope Francis’ life and legacy during the nine days of mourning known as Novendiales.
Masses will be offered for the repose of his soul, and Pope Francis will be remembered by name during the Eucharistic Prayers.
From 28 April, priests are encouraged to offer Votive Masses for a deceased pope, using the prayers provided in the Roman Missal.
Archbishop Costelloe led a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 22 April at 12:10pm, inviting clergy and the faithful of Perth to unite in prayer and thanksgiving.
“Let us remember his call to be a Church that is a field hospital after battle, ready to heal wounds and warm hearts,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
A New Chapter Begins
With the Holy Father Pope Francis’ death, the Church now begins the process of electing a new Holy Father.
Australian representatives, including Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy, are expected to attend the conclave in Rome.
Funeral preparations are already underway, with Church and civic leaders anticipated to travel to the Vatican in coming days.
Though the world now prepares for a new era, Archbishop Costelloe urged Catholics not to forget the profound personal witness Pope Francis offered.
“Let us take inspiration from Pope Francis’s pastoral guidance. Let his life be a beacon that guides us in our mission to be messengers of joy and bearers of Christ’s love,” he said.
“May the mercy and compassion of God, which Pope Francis so faithfully proclaimed, now embrace him as he enters into the mystery of eternal life.”
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Requiescat in pace.
Stay up to date with local Mass times and commemorations for Pope Francis at www.therecord.com.au and your parish website.
Share your tributes or memories on social media using #ThankYouFrancis and #PopeFrancis.
