Condolence

Pope Francis

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (11:02): I move:

That the House of Assembly expresses its sincere regret at the passing of the pontiff His Holiness Pope Francis and gives thanks for the life and works of a man whose humility, compassion and deep commitment to humanity marked him as one of the truly great spiritual leaders of our time.

I rise to honour the passing of Pope Francis—Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ, Servant of the Servants of God—who passed from this earthly realm on Monday 21 April at the age of 88. 'Todos, todos, todos'—'everyone, everyone, everyone'. This was the simple message of inclusion that Pope Francis gave the world during the 12 years of his papacy, which is an encapsulation of the philosophy by which he lived. He summed up his message to each of us: that all are deserving of kindness, that all are deserving of mercy, that all are deserving of love, that all are children of God.

The first pope from Latin America, the man born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, truly lived his creed. He gave his time and love to prisoners, to the poor, to the sick, to those historically excluded from the Catholic Church. He even spoke well of politicians—a man of great generosity—calling our vocation 'one of the highest forms of charity.' We would all do well to remind ourselves of his words from time to time and aspire to the standard it sets.

Appropriately for a man whose papal name was chosen to honour St Francis of Assisi and his tradition of service and humility, Pope Francis eschewed the trappings of his position. Notably, he chose to live simply in the guesthouse of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the House of St Martha, rather than amidst the grandeur of the Apostolic Palace, breaking centuries of papal tradition. I recall that when that first occurred after he moved into the more humble surrounds of the guesthouse, there were those in rather high positions in the Catholic Church who backgrounded media at the time, saying, 'Let's see how long this lasts.' It lasted the entirety of his papacy.

Pope Francis was a loyal servant of the Catholic Church, but he did not ignore its failings. He demonstrated fierce determination to hold the church accountable just as much as himself. He was courageous in speaking out on the failures of the church, particularly the crisis of sexual abuse by members of the clergy. He used his position to rail against economic inequality and the burdens shouldered by the global poor. He celebrated the natural world and called for humanity to protect it as its stewards, particularly against the moral issue of climate change. It made him a target for criticism from all sides—those who opposed change and those who expected change to be greater—but through his leadership he charted his own path of service, humility and faith.

The merest glance at the state of the world reminds us that it is all too easy to destroy, it is easy to divide and it is easy to lie and dissemble. That is the lazy, cynical path and leads only to darkness. Pope Francis challenges us to take the difficult path: the path of Christ's example of love, of inclusion, of welcome, of compassion and of truth. He challenges us to create a world that provides a place for everyone, regardless of their faith, their nationality, their sexual orientation or—critically—their economic circumstances. His was a message of hope at a time when hope seems in short supply. His passing also leaves us with a challenge to continue to work together in the spirit of love, humility and service. Requiescat in pace, Papa Francesco. I commend this motion to the house.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (11:08): I also rise to support the motion and pass on my sincere condolences to Catholics who are still mourning right around the world following the passing of Papa Francesco, as he was known. We join Catholics across South Australia, across our nation and throughout the world to mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a leader whose life was defined by humility, compassion and a relentless commitment to service. He showed the world that true leadership is not measured in titles or in power, but in kindness, empathy and the willingness to walk alongside those who suffer. His life and papacy were a living testament to the strength found in simplicity, the courage found in mercy and the hope found in faith.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis was shaped by the streets of Argentina and by a life lived close to the people. His election as the 266^th pontiff marked many firsts: the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis after the humble saint who devoted his life to the poor and to peace. In every way, Pope Francis lived up to the spirit of that name.

Throughout his time as Bishop of Rome, he called on the world to remember the dignity of every person. He championed the forgotten and the oppressed. I draw back to the funeral commemoration that highlighted him doing things like stopping alongside the road in Italy, where families would try to present their children who were obviously suffering from some sort of impairment or illness or disability. He would stop the motorcade and get out of the car and make sure that he took the time for those things. During Holy Week, he would clean and wash the feet of the prisoner. No-one was too good or too low for the Pope.

He reminded the powerful of their duty to serve, not to dominate, and he urged all of us to care for the earth, our common home. His leadership was quiet but unshakable. It was gentle, but it was firm. It was compassionate yet courageous. As a Catholic, I found real inspiration in the way Pope Francis lived out his faith with humility, strength and compassion. He showed us that true leadership is not above power or status, but it is in walking alongside people, lifting others up, staying true to your values even when it is difficult.

His example was a powerful reminder that service to others is at the heart of everything we do, especially in public life. For me personally, his message was a reminder that leadership must always be about lifting others up, not about lifting ourselves above, that we are all passing through and we are only in these roles because of a greater being.

His was a papacy that reached far beyond the walls of the church. He spoke not only to Catholics but to people of every faith and of none. He spoke to those who had lost hope, who felt unseen, who yearned for a better future, and through his words and, more importantly, through his actions, he gave them a reason to hope again. In South Australia, where faith communities play a vital role in our social fabric, his teachings found fertile ground, especially his calls for compassion, for justice, and for care of the vulnerable as well. Pope Francis understood the struggles of everyday life. He never shied away from confronting injustice, but he did so with a heart full of love and a deep belief in the goodness of humanity.

In mourning Pope Francis, we also celebrate his life. We celebrate a life spent in service to others, a life devoted to lifting the burdens of the poor, to healing divisions, to inspiring a spirit of hope where there was once despair. We will never forget the images of world leaders coming together. In recent times, some of these world leaders have had disagreements, but in St Peter's Basilica on the day of his funeral we saw the powerful images of how leaders were able to come together, not only to commemorate the Pope but also to resolve other differences.

Even in death, Pope Francis left us with one final message, not spoken from a pulpit but placed quietly inside his coffin. A document known as the Rogito recorded the key milestones of his journey, and at its heart was his episcopal motto, 'Miserando atque eligendo'—'By having mercy and by choosing'. The phrase, drawn from a homily from St Bede on the calling of Matthew, echoed something Pope Francis carried throughout his life: a belief that God chooses not the powerful but the humble, that it is mercy, not might, that moves the hand of God.

In a homily recently for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Pope Francis reflected on Deuteronomy 7:6-11. He said, 'He fell in love with our littleness, and that is why he has chosen us. He chooses the little: not the great ones, but the little ones.' That sentiment sat at the core of his leadership. It aligned with the motto in the Rogito and underscored the idea that God calls those who are humble and acknowledges their potential.

Through his papacy, he consistently highlighted that God's grace is extended to the humble, reinforcing the message that humility is a path to divine closeness. Whether it was in the streets of Buenos Aires or the seat of St Peter, Pope Francis never stopped pointing us to that truth. Littleness is not something to overcome, but something to embrace, because it is in that place, in the quiet and the unseen, that God meets us.

I had the privilege of attending, with some of those opposite, a memorial mass held in honour of Pope Francis, a moment to stand in prayer and reflection with our community as we gave thanks for his life, his message and his enduring impact. We give thanks for the example that he set, not only for Catholics but for all people of goodwill who seek a better, fairer and kinder world. When I look at some of the reflections of that service, he brought people together right until the end.

There were not just Catholic leaders at that service. There were leaders from the Greek Orthodox community, the Ukrainian Orthodox community, right around the globe, and the different aspects of Christianity were there as well. It was not just a mass in Latin. It was not just a mass in Italian. It was a mass that was broadcast in several different languages. You could tell that he had methodically thought about what he could do to make sure that the word of the Gospel could be spread right throughout the world. May we honour his memory by living as he taught us: with humility, with courage, and with a faith that never wavered. Vale Pope Francis. May your spirit continue to guide us all.

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence) (11:14): Thank you very much to our Premier for bringing this important motion to the house. I am really proud to rise to speak in support of it following 10 days of reflection since His Holiness Pope Francis went home, humble to the end of his time on this earth, choosing to be interred in a simple wooden coffin with people around the world mourning, but similarly reflecting on the profound impact he has had on so many through the hope, comfort, love and wisdom he has offered and inspired.

The shared reflections of millions of people have focused on the life of His Holiness Pope Francis, on his steadfast values, and what they have and will continue to teach leaders, and indeed all people across the globe, what it means to truly dedicate your life to serving others and to living simply and humbly, driven by faith, fairness, justice, love, compassion and kindness—qualities that to me exemplify Christianity and living as Jesus would, and qualities that can serve as an enduring guide to us all.

Born in 1936, His Holiness Pope Francis, then Jorge Bergoglio, was raised in a family of Italian Catholic immigrants. His mum really wanted him to become a doctor, but he instead chose to pursue his calling to the priesthood. As a young man in the 1950s, he joined the Jesuits, attracted to the order's vow of poverty and its ethos of serving others, including all, and living simply. He became a priest in 1969, Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and the Pope in 2013.

As Pope, his dedication to social justice was deeply rooted in the Latin American context. I have learned that inequality, poverty and political upheaval experienced across the region and intertwined with its history deeply influenced his perspective, his actions and his words. He significantly contributed to the advancement of that region, playing a mediating role between the United States and Cuba, supporting the peace process in Colombia, and highlighting environmental devastation occurring in the Amazon. He publicly apologised to Indigenous peoples of Latin America for the church's historical complicity with the negative impact of colonialism and acknowledged past inaction in relation to terrible sexual abuse.

His landmark encyclical Laudato Si' underscored the moral imperative to address climate change, inspiring accolades from global leaders. His critique of the conflict in Gaza underscored his consistent opposition to war and advocacy for peace. Pope Francis's beautiful leadership has been a deeply impactful catalyst for regional and global dialogue on social justice. Indeed, on becoming Pope, he chose the name Francis in association with St Francis of Assisi, a patron saint known for his commitment to tackling poverty, to living simply and with the environment, and to advancing peace.

Pope Francis took judicious but decisive steps toward inclusion, appointing women to decision-making positions within the church. In this, and in so much, Pope Francis was a clever, wise, compassionate reformer. He was disciplined, staying true always to the foundations of the church, but within this vast and enduring institution, he worked to reform, to bring people together, to bring people on a journey. As we contemplate such a troubled world, he spoke up, he influenced, he unfailingly spoke truth, he urged kindness in others' adversity, he espoused that every person deserved to be loved. He advanced change, change relentlessly grounded in all that truly embodies the way of Jesus.

As Archbishop Patrick O'Regan reiterated at Sunday's beautiful memorial mass at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, his words 'todos, todos, todos', meaning 'everyone, everyone, everyone', called on all of us to include all, to welcome all, to love all, to focus on what unites rather than divides us, to honour all people as members—precious members—of our global human family.

Pope Francis saw the church as being beyond its four walls and with all people, for all people. Pope Francis was there for the most marginalised, the poorest, the sick, the condemned, the disenfranchised, the unheard, the unseen. He was, indeed, there for everyone, and encouraged us to be there for all people also. In doing so, he urged us to embrace forgiveness, saying that forgiveness can heal the poisons of resentments and bring peace to our hearts. He knew and encouraged us not to waste time fighting with others but to forgive always, seeing forgiveness as a way to a reconciled, kinder world.

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis dedicated some of his last hours on earth to advocate for those most vulnerable and abused in our world and called for a peaceful future. As he did on this last day, as he did throughout his life and as he will continue to do, he inspires us with his words and his way of living: to love more, to forgive more, to embrace more and to live more intensely. May we all continue to live out this message through our actions each and every day, and may His Holiness Pope Francis rest in peace.

Mr PATTERSON (Morphett) (11:22): I also take the opportunity to support the motion, which recognises the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis and really pays tribute to the important role that he played for the people who live in my local Catholic community in Morphett, for the South Australian Catholic community, the wider Christian community and, of course, the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Pope Francis was a man of peace, he was a man of humility, and he was also a man of firsts in the Catholic Church. As has been said, he was the first pope from South America, he was the first Jesuit pope and also, on becoming pope, he took the name Pope Francis. He was elected at conclave in a short time—only 24 hours—which says a lot about the unity he brought amongst the cardinals to choose him.

The importance of choosing the name Francis really says a lot about his vision for the church. Of course, St Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Italy and was a man who loved the simple lifestyle and wanted to bring people to recognise the glory of God through the simple things, not through wealth, not through power, but relying on God for everything. If you go to Assisi, as I have had the fortune to, it is a medieval town. It does not seem as though it has changed much in parts from the 13^th century when St Francis of Assisi was present, and you can see the love and affection that the Italians have for that man.

One aspect of St Francis of Assisi that gave him such prominence is that he had a vision to reform the church at the time, so back in the 13^th century. I think that holds true to the vision that Pope Francis had as well. He came to the papacy at a time when the church had significant troubles. It had issues dealing with past horrors of child abuse and financial transparency issues as well, and this certainly became a focus of the Pope in his life. He was an important man.

As a pope, he was not a pope just for the Catholic faith. He was a pope to bring peace to the world as well, and he wanted to reach out to people of other faiths, as he did. He had relationships with the Muslim world, certainly one where he mirrored the work of St Francis of Assisi, who travelled to Egypt at the time to meet with Egyptian sultans. Fast-forward to Pope Francis, and he had a relationship with the imam in Egypt. He also had relationships with people of the Jewish faith to try to bring people together to promote what has been known as a message of fraternity throughout the world, in what is a divided world, and to promote a message of peace in what is a troubled world at present. With conflict in Europe and with conflict in the Middle East, this message still rings true.

As has been said, he was a man of humility, but he also continually wanted to reach out and spread the gospel. This was reinforced by the fact that, while very ill in the very later stages of his papacy, he was able to still spread the word of the gospel on Easter Sunday. So, when he passed on Easter Monday, that shows that within only 24 hours of him passing he was still trying to do the work of God.

As happened with many Catholic parishes throughout the state, the Catholic parish of Glenelg held a memorial mass at Our Lady of Victories, conducted by Father John on the Tuesday after Easter Monday, to recognise the message that the Pope brought to the world and to recognise the work that he did but also the significance of the occasion. Anytime a pope passes, it marks a time of reflection for the church but also the possibility of renewal, so to mark that occasion was very important.

Ultimately, there was a time of reflection before the actual funeral service for Pope Francis. The funeral reinforced the humility and the simplicity that Pope Francis wanted to bring to his papacy. He was buried in a wooden coffin, and he was interred at St Mary Major in Rome as opposed to in St Peter's Basilica. Certainly, there is a contrast between those two basilicas. St Peter's is very grand, and St Mary Major is a tribute to Mary but it is also a much simpler church, which again reinforces the message of Pope Francis.

In summing up, as has been observed by many, it is a true reflection that Pope Francis gave greater value to gestures than to discourse. He really lived, and his actions spoke as loud as his words. Pope Francis wrote, in recognition of the work that St Francis of Assisi did—and I think it actually holds true to the work of Pope Francis as well—these words:

Francis did not wage a war of words...he simply spread the love of God...In this way, he became a father to all and inspired the vision of a fraternal society.

Rest in peace, Pope Francis. May your legacy of humility and peace be eternal and guide us.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (11:29): I would like to join other members in speaking on this important motion honouring Pope Francis, who passed from this world to the next a couple of weeks ago at the age of 88. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as he was when growing up on the streets of Buenos Aires, was the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, and they are in mourning as are many others. He was a respected leader for the world's 2.4 billion Christians and many others of other faiths or none.

While chosen to perform his duty in this most holy role, the Bishop of Rome, the Pastor of Christ, he undertook a role where he also played a major role in the temporal world. As our leader, Vincent Tarzia, said, 'He reminded the powerful of their duty to serve, not to dominate,' and he set an example of humble servant leadership. People have spoken of this leadership in the world. It was a leadership grounded in faith and in gospel. As a Jesuit, their motto is 'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam', which translates to 'For the greater glory of God'. Pope Francis described this, saying:

The Word inspires good intentions and sustains action; it gives us strength and serenity, and even when it challenges us, it gives us peace. On…confusing days, it guarantees to the heart a core of confidence and of love that protects it from the attacks of the evil one.

In the secular world, we sometimes shy away from talking about faith and the language of faith. In doing so, I fear we diminish our capacity to truly engage and empathise with the overwhelming experience of the human condition, or indeed from the contemporary lives of the many people of faith in our community for whom their faith is the bedrock of their experience in the world.

On this occasion, we particularly extend our condolences to the 275,000 Catholics in South Australia who comprise 15 per cent of our population. In my seat of Morialta, as many would imagine, it is somewhat higher than that. About 30 per cent of my community, more than 10,000 residents in Morialta, according to census data are of the Catholic faith. Many have been praying for Pope Francis throughout his papacy, and indeed especially so with signs of illness in recent times and since his passing.

I note the memorial service tonight at St Francis of Assisi in Newton, a particularly strong connection with the church that bears his name, and also the particular connection for the Jesuits in my electorate, of course, the St Ignatius school being based in Athelstone, and the Jesuit order in Athelstone is very strong. I highlight the reflections of just a couple of other world leaders, which I think puts it in strong context. The Dalai Lama praised Pope Francis, who he said had:

…dedicated himself to the service of others, consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.

I think that is true in a sense, but it is worth again reflecting on Pope Francis's particular connection with the Christian faith. As King Charles said, the Pope will be:

…remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

I express my condolences to all those who are grieving and pray that Pope Francis passes on to the next world in faith.

The SPEAKER: I ask members, and those in the galleries who are able, to stand in silence as a sign of respect at the passing of Pope Francis.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 11:33 to 11:35.