Cardinal Grech told bishops that Pope Francis approved the three-year plan on 11 March at Rome’s Gemelli hospital where he had been being treated since the 14 February.

In part three of his three-part series about Pope Francis, Dr Marco Ceccarelli says that throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis identified the obstacles which pre-vent Christians from announcing the gospel: relativism, secularisation and de-Christianisation.

Pope Leo XIV will maintain an active presence on X and Instagram via the official @Pontifex accounts, continuing the legacy of digital evangelisation. His first post: a message of peace from his Urbi et Orbi address.

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.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. ACBC President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, offered heartfelt congratulations, assuring the new pope of the Church in Australia’s prayers, loyalty, and joyful anticipation of his spiritual leadership. He expressed hope that the pontificate will be marked by peace, unity, and a deepening of the Gospel message worldwide.

Australia’s Catholic bishops have celebrated a Mass in memory of the late Pope Francis during their May plenary. Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, preached the homily and Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB celebrated the Mass, in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel in North Sydney.

In part two of his three-part series about Pope Francis, Dr Marco Ceccarelli says that throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis identified the obstacles which prevent Christians from announcing the gospel: relativism, secularisation and de-Christianisation.

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.

By Justin McLellan , Catholic News Service The College of Cardinals has 252 members, but only 135 of them - those who were under 80 when Pope Francis died April 21 -- are eligible to enter the conclave May 7, 2025, to elect a new pope. The country count may differ based on whether one considers where the cardinal was born or where he exercises his ministry. Graphic: CNS/Jerome Podojil, USCC...

Reflecting on Pope Francis’ historic election in 2013 as the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first non-European pope in over a millennium, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB praised Pope Francis’ bold pastoral approach and deep personal witness.