Flags to Fly at Half-Mast in Australia for Pope Francis

More than 5 million Australian Catholics are mourning the spiritual leader.

Pope Francis greets the crowd from the popemobile at the end of the Palm Sunday mass at St Peter's square in the Vatican on March 24, 2024. Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

Flags across Australia will be lowered on April 22 as a mark of respect following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

Soon after the news broke, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had directed the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure all flags outside of Commonwealth government building were at half-mast a day after Easter Monday.

More than 5 million Australian Catholics—around 20 per cent of the population—are mourning the death of the spiritual leader.

Albanese expressed his sympathy, stating, “Australian Catholics and faithful around the world give thanks for the life of their Holy Father, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome.”

“And my sincere condolences to everyone for whom tonight, it will be a very difficult evening.”

The prime minister praised Pope Francis for his universal compassion, saying it “embraced all humanity,” and noted the pontiff would be “mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”

Albanese also spoke of the Pope’s deep connection to Australia, “The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere was close to the people of Australia. For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father.”

Dutton Reflects on Pope’s Legacy

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended condolences on behalf of the Coalition, saying, “His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life. He was the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first Latin American Pope. He lived frugally and simply.”

Dutton said the Pope was guided foremost by Christ’s teachings of mercy and forgiveness.

He highlighted the pontiff’s focus on these values in his final Christmas message, “God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.”

Governor-General Sam Mostyn also honoured the Pope, calling his September 2024 visit to the region a testament to his global commitment.

“As millions of Australian Catholics mourn a spiritual guide, father and friend, we can all reflect on His Holiness’ message of peace; of respect for the rights and dignity of every member of our human family; and care for the Earth, our common home,” she said.

A Papacy That Touched Many Lives

Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pontiff in 2013. Born in Buenos Aires on Dec. 17, 1936, to Italian immigrants Mario and Regina, he initially trained as a chemical technician before choosing the priesthood.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was noted for his humility, simplicity, and deep concern for the poor and marginalised.

AAP contributed to this article.