Archbishop Peter Andrew Comensoli speaks during a mass in honour of the Pope's passing at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Tuesday.
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AAP Newswire
Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, communities and organisations around the world have shared their condolences.
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According to Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, the 88-year-old Pope died after suffering a stroke and irreversible cardiac arrest, following a recent bout of double-pneumonia.
St Mary’s Parish Echuca will be holding a special mass in honour of the Pope on Wednesday, April 22, at noon.
For those who cannot make it to mass, a designated prayer space will be available at the parish from 9am to 5pm for all who wish to offer their personal prayers for Pope Francis.
A spokesperson for the St Mary’s Parish Echuca shared a message of condolence through Facebook, calling for the Catholic community to unite.
“As we mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father, we come together as a faith community to remember him in prayer, thanksgiving and love,” the message read.
“This is a time to unite our hearts in sorrow and hope, trusting in God's mercy and lifting Pope Francis into His eternal embrace.”
Echuca-Moama Uniting Church reverend Michele Lees said she held the Pope in high regard, citing his humility and genuine care for others.
“The Uniting Church are sending their sincerest condolences to all members of the Catholic Church,” she said.
“We’ve had great respect and appreciation for the Pope in what he has achieved and tried to achieve.”
St Joseph’s College Echuca also shared its condolences through a post on Facebook.
“Today, we pause in remembrance of Pope Francis, a leader who brought compassion, humility and courage to the heart of the Catholic Church,” the post read.
“He reminded us that faith is not only about doctrine but about reaching out to others with strength of conviction and the kindliness of heart ...”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is Catholic, said the major party leaders had agreed to relax election campaigning on Tuesday as a sign of respect.
Murray River Council deputy mayor Neil Gorey, chief executive Stacy Williams and Mayor John Harvie paid their respects to the Pope with the lowering of their flags to half-mast.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Mr Albanese also asked all government buildings to lower their flags to half-mast as a sign of respect following the Pope’s passing.
Murray River Council was among the councils who had their flags flying at half-mast.
The Pope’s funeral is set to be held four to six days after his death, most likely at St Peter’s Square.
About 15 to 20 days after his death, a papal conclave will begin.
About 120 cardinals will take part in the election of a new pope.
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