Pope Leo XIV is the first American and first Augustinian to lead the Catholic Church. A naturalised Peruvian citizen and beloved Bishop, he’s known for walking through floods, launching lifesaving aid during COVID, and carrying Christ to the streets. His papacy is rooted in unity, mercy, and mission.
During Good Shepherd Sunday Mass, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB reflected on the meaning of vocation and the courage it takes to say yes to God’s call. Speaking at St Mary’s Cathedral, he encouraged openness to vocations and highlighted the qualities of faith, love, and service, linking them to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, whose own journey began with a simple “yes” to God.
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, a Chicago-born missionary with decades of service in Peru, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pope. Known for his humility, global outlook, and deep compassion, he follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis with a vision of a Church that is inclusive, peace-seeking, and close to the poor.
On 7–8 May 2025, 133 cardinal electors convened in the Sistine Chapel for a historic conclave to elect the 267th pope. Following sacred rites and solemn prayers, black smoke on the first day signalled no decision, but by the second evening, white smoke and ringing bells announced: Habemus Papam — we have a pope.
Discipleship is a shared journey, said Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB,
and the witness of religious life serves as an inspiration for all to follow Jesus while striving for holiness in their unique circumstances.
The Perth Catholic Chinese Community’s Lunar New Year celebration at St Pius X Catholic Church in Manning Parish on Sunday, February 2, beautifully show-cased the harmony of faith and culture, bringing together generations in a spirit of gratitude, hope, and joy.
The Vietnamese Catholic Community of Perth celebrated the start of the Lunar New Year, or Tết, with a Thanksgiving Mass on January 28. Over a thousand parishioners, wearing colourful traditional attire, gathered at the Vietnamese Catholic Community Centre.
On Sunday, 29 December 2024, the Catholic community of Perth gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for the launch of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB urged the faithful to look to the Holy Family of Nazareth as a source of hope and inspiration in times of challenge.