As bells tolled across Perth and the midday sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of St Mary’s Cathedral, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB led some 1500 Catholic and non-Catholic faithful in a solemn Pontifical Mass to mourn the death of Pope Francis.
The liturgy, held at 12.10pm on Tuesday 22 April at St Mary’s Cathedral, was filled with reverence and raw emotion as Western Australians came together to honour the life and legacy of a pope who, as Archbishop Costelloe said, “touched the hearts of people all over the world with his humility, his simplicity, and his insistence that the Church must be a field hospital for the wounded.”
Joining Archbishop Costelloe to concelebrate the Mass was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Vicar for Clergy the Very Rev Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen, Cathedral Dean Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Cathedral Assistant priests Fr Richard Smith, as MC Fr Jason Yeap, together with some 35 priests from across the Archdiocese.
Speaking Tuesday morning, Archbishop Costelloe, who is also President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, confirmed he would fly to Rome to represent the Australian Catholic Bishops at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Speaking to The Record, Archbishop Costelloe said the Holy Father’s final appearance on Easter Sunday gave many a sense of hope that he might yet recover.
“We saw him bless children, smile, offer his Easter greetings,” Archbishop Costelloe highlighted.
“And so, when the news of his death came just a day later, it was a shock. Like Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb, we mourn, and we weep.”
A Shepherd of Action and Compassion
In a powerful homily during Tuesday’s Mass, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the Gospel story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb — a story, he noted, which mirrors the global Church’s own grief.
“Many people throughout the world, and perhaps many here in the Cathedral today, are also weeping, openly or in their hearts,” he said.
“As we seek to come to terms with the desperately sad news of the death of Pope Francis, we find ourselves much like Mary — lost in sorrow, longing for a sign.”
Yet, just as Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name, Archbishop Costelloe reminded those gathered that Jesus now calls Pope Francis, “as he once called him to the papacy, and as he once called each of us to be his disciples.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected in March 2013. As the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere, he brought a new energy to the papacy — often characterised by compassion for the marginalised, a commitment to interfaith dialogue, and bold calls for action on climate change and economic justice.
But what stood out most for Archbishop Costelloe was the authenticity of Pope Francis’ love in action.
“He fed the hungry, brought sight to the blind, and set captives free — not only physically, but spiritually,” he said.
In recent weeks, despite fragile health, Pope Francis visited prisoners in a Roman jail during Holy Week. “He could no longer kneel to wash their feet,” Archbishop Costelloe said, “but he knelt with his heart, assuring them that they were not forgotten.”
“A Brother, A Friend, A Pastor”
Archbishop Costelloe also spoke about the deep pastoral heart of Pope Francis — someone who sought not to be an untouchable figurehead, but a fellow pilgrim.
“He wants to be our brother, he wants to be our friend,” he said. “This closeness to others defined the life and ministry of Pope Francis.”
Archbishop Costelloe’s message was deeply personal, encouraging the people of Perth to carry Pope Francis’ memory in their hearts and live out his legacy in the way they care for others.
“Now we must let go, as Mary Magdalene had to let go of Jesus. And we must go out and share the good news — not only in words, but in lives that heal wounds and warm hearts,” he said.
Looking Ahead with Francis’ Vision
The Mass concluded with a poignant blessing and the prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
As Perth prepares to bid its final farewell to Pope Francis with Archbishop Costelloe joining leaders from around the world at the Vatican funeral, the message from St Mary’s Cathedral was clear: Pope Francis may be gone, but his dream for the Church lives on.
“A Church that embraces with mercy, listens with compassion, and serves with joy,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “That was his dream. And now it is ours to carry.”
Special guests at the Mass included
- WA State Deputy Premier, representing the Premier, the Hon Roger Cook, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA;
- WA State Leader of the Opposition and Member for Churchlands, Mr Basil Zempilas MLA;
- Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research and Minister for the Kimberley, the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC;
- Assistant Bishop for the Anglican Diocese of Perth, the Right Rev Hans Christiansen
For more on the life of Pope Francis and local memorial Masses, visit www.therecord.com.au.