The body of Pope Francis lies in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. Photo: Vatican Media
Senior government and religious figures have paid respect to Pope Francis who died from a stroke and heart attack on Easter Monday at 88-years-old.
The Vatican has announced that his funeral service will be held on Saturday as mourners gather in St Peter’s Square.
His body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state until his funeral, the Vatican announced.
WATCH: Seals are placed on the doors of the papal residence
Australia will reportedly be represented by Governor-General Sam Mostyn on her way back from Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, currently in federal campaign mode, described the Argentinian-born pope’s papacy as one of “firsts”.
“(He was) the first pope to hail from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name of the great champion of the poor, St Francis of Assisi,” the PM said.
“He urged us to remember all we hold in common and asked the world to hear the ‘cry of the earth’, our common home.
“He invited world leaders to join him and ‘emerge from the dark night of wars and environmental devastation in order to turn our common future into the dawn of a new radiant day’.”
Albanese said the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere was “close” to Australia.
“For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father. Pope Francis lived out his faith and vocation in word and deed,” he said.
“As we mourn his death, we celebrate the gift of his life and presence among us.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed his condolences.
“On behalf of the Coalition, I express my condolences to Australians of Catholic and Christian faith upon the sad news of the death of the 266th pontiff,” he said.
“His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life.
“He lived frugally and simply,” Dutton said.
GOVERNOR-GENERAL
Governor-General Sam Mostyn highlighted Pope Francis’s visit to this region in September 2024 as an exemplification of his devotion to the global church.
“In Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, His Holiness encouraged communities to uphold respectful dialogue, love beyond difference and hope for the future,” she said.
“Australia shares a longstanding bond of friendship with the Holy See, which endured for more than 50 years. In that time, we have worked together to uphold and advance our shared interests in the preservation of peace and the alleviation of poverty.”
“As Pope Francis is honoured at Masses and in prayer across Australia and the world, may the memory of His Holiness’ mission of peace, compassion and love bring hope and consolation long into the future.”
