Grievance Debate

Pope Francis

Mr DIGHTON (Black) (15:25): I rise to add to the condolence motion this morning about the passing of Pope Francis. As a Catholic and a former Catholic educator, I was deeply saddened by the news that His Holiness Pope Francis died recently. I pray that he rests in peace. Pope Francis chose to be named for St Francis, a saint known for his love and ministry for the poorest and most marginalised in our community. St Francis loved all of God's creation, including the environment and all its animals. He is known for his belief in the sanctity and dignity of all living things.

Pope Francis did not let his position define him. He remained authentically true to himself and to his beliefs. In working in the name of St Francis, Pope Francis has shown us the importance of loving everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable: children, the elderly, those with disabilities, the sick, the poor, those in prison, those who are migrants and refugees.

He has insisted that all people are equal. He has promoted an inclusive church. He has spoken of the importance of protecting the environment and all animals. His courage and compassion have been exemplary. His work for peace throughout this troubled world is an inspiration. Pope Francis remained committed to be a leader who was a light to the world, a stark contrast to some other world leaders who focus on division and hate.

Pope Francis is known for writing two papal encyclicals, Laudato Si' on care for our common home and Fratelli Tutti on fraternity and social friendship. In Laudato Si', Pope Francis emphasises how environmental degradation disproportionately impacts the poorest people in our world, imploring the connection between environmental concern and social justice, emphasising that ecological action must include attention to human dignity and the poor and that we need to have a conversation that includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing and its human roots concern and affect all of us.

Fratelli Tutti was released against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and speaks about the need to respect the human dignity of all people, regardless of their background, and work together as a single human family to address the concerns facing our world, arguing that individualism and a neoliberal approach do not address the world's problems. Speaking about neoliberalism, Pope Francis provides the following observation:

The marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve every problem, however much we are asked to believe this dogma of neoliberal faith. Whatever the challenge, this impoverished and repetitive school of thought always offers the same recipes. Neoliberalism simply reproduces itself by resorting to the magic theories of 'spillover' or 'trickle'—without using the name—as the only solution to societal problems. There is little appreciation of the fact that the alleged 'spillover' does not resolve the inequality that gives rise to new forms of violence threatening the fabric of society.

This is a powerful reflection for all legislators and governments to consider in their approach to public policy.

As a former educator and, at times, a religious education teacher, Pope Francis's message in these encyclicals with an emphasis on the environment, on social justice and on human connection resonated with the young people I taught and allowed them to deepen their spirituality and faith. I am deeply grateful for the example of Pope Francis. I pray for Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.