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.

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.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, commended the statement to all people of good will.

Speaking on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Michael Kennedy said workers have a right to wages that will provide themselves and their families with a dignified standard of living.

Prisons are not meant to be places of rejection, punishment and revenge, but rather a mission field where we are called to share Jesus’ good news of love, mercy and inclusion.

The Ordinary Council, chaired by the Holy Father, will play a fundamental role in the implementation of the synodal process on synodality and the preparation of the next Synod.

Award-winning foreign correspondent Peter Greste, who spent 400 days in an Egyptian gaol after being charged with terrorism offences, has told Catholic communications professionals that there needs to be a way of upholding the principles and ethics of journalism in the digital age.

In preparing the original document, the bishops consulted widely with a range of people including church leaders and health professionals. The bishops have also worked with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Archbishop Costelloe said the commission did not appear to have sought constitutional legal advice despite submissions detailing the problems with abolishing Basic Religious Charities.