Australian Catholics and politicians have embraced the appointment of the new pope, Leo XIV, with many hoping he will continue his predecessor’s emphasis on peace and social justice.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, offered Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV – heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Roman Catholic church in Australia.
“The Catholic Church in Australia assures Pope Leo XIV of our prayers, loyalty, and joyful anticipation of his spiritual leadership,” he said. “May his pontificate be marked by peace, unity, and a deepening of the Gospel message throughout the world.”
Costelloe said the new pope had demonstrated his “approachability and willingness to listen” in his previous roles as the prefect of the dicastery for bishops and as an Augustinian missionary in Peru.
Catholic Social Services Australia, which represents the church’s social services providers, said the pope’s choice of name had “profound significance” for Catholic social services. It evoked the legacy of Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903) who articulated the church’s commitment to human dignity and social justice in his encyclical Rerum Novrum.
The organisation’s executive director, Dr Jerry Nockles, said the pope’s election came at a time when the world “yearns for compassionate leadership grounded in the Gospel values of justice, dignity and solidarity with the vulnerable”.
“At a time when Australia and indeed the world faces unprecedented social challenges – from growing inequality to escalating violence and social division – Pope Leo’s election offers a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that the Church stands firmly for peace and with those on the margins,” he said.
“His voice will undoubtedly challenge us all to build a more just and peaceful society where every person’s dignity is honoured, and peace is actively pursued.”
Brother Mark O’Connor, head of communications for the Catholic archdiocese of Parramatta, told Radio National he had met the new pope, describing him as a “humble, gentle leader”.
“He’s not different from Pope Francis in terms of vision, but maybe in style,” he said. “He’s more low key.”
He said the Leo XIV had been to Australia and was not a fan of Vegemite but did like Tim Tams.
O’Connor said expected the new pope would be “very effective” in continuing the reform of the church in the vision of Pope Francis.
It was significant that the pope’s first words were about peace as well as his choice of name, he said.
“You’ve got to remember that Pope Leo XIII was the first pope in the modern era who actually stood on the side of the workers and social justice,” he said, “which was really the beginnings of the church taking a much stronger stance on social justice.”
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Anthony Albanese offered his heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV.
“This is a moment of joy and hope for Catholics all over the world,” the prime minister said. “May God bless Pope Leo XIV and may his papacy advance the cause of peace and justice, in the service of all humanity.”
The health minister, Mark Butler, described the appointment as “terrific news”, saying: “The billion or so Catholics around the world, the one in four Australians who identify as Catholics, will be overjoyed today after a period of grieving and mourning for the much-loved Pope Francis.”
The Australian Catholic University said it was a time of renewed hope and guidance.
Its chancellor, Martin Daubney, said: “We share his commitment to strengthening dialogue and the defence of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.
“We rejoice that His Holiness will continue to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, encouraging unity in the pursuit of a more compassionate world. We join with people around the world in offering our prayers for the Holy Father as he begins the task of leading the Catholic Church.”
In a post to social media, the Australian embassy to the Holy See – which has a clear view of the Sistine Chapel chimney – wrote “Habemus Papam!” – the Latin for ‘We have a new pope’.
The embassy hosted a “conclave watch” event waiting for the white smoke to emerge.
