Mourners gathered at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane’s CBD to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis, just hours after news broke of his death at the Vatican on Easter Monday.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge led a heartfelt Mass on Tuesday to honour Pope Francis, a man he once called a “dear brother.”
The early morning Mass on Tuesday drew about 40 members of the community who came to reflect, pray, and give thanks for the Pope’s contributions to the Catholic Church and beyond. The Archbishop spoke about the significance of the timing of the Pope’s passing—so close to Easter—and acknowledged the lasting changes Pope Francis made during his time as leader of the global Church.
Remembering a Leader Who Re-shaped the Papacy
Archbishop Coleridge shared personal reflections during and after the Mass, recalling how Pope Francis consistently challenged tradition not for the sake of disruption, but to reshape the Church into something more compassionate, inclusive, and grounded in humility. He described Francis as a man of “surprise” who often defied expectations, including his own election in 2013.
The Archbishop said he once dismissed Jorge Bergoglio—then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires—as an unlikely papal candidate due to his age and background as a Jesuit. But his eventual election, and the simplicity with which he introduced himself to the world, showed a leader who would steer the Church in a new direction.
Coleridge noted Pope Francis’s tendency to break away from Vatican formality. Instead of living in the grand Apostolic Palace, he chose a modest residence and often opted for a small sedan rather than official vehicles. He greeted others with warmth and informality, signalling his desire to be a “bishop among bishops,” not a distant authority figure.
Local Reflections and Community Mourning
For Queenslanders like Georgia Meares, attending the Mass was a chance to both grieve and express hope for the Church’s future. She spoke about her prayers for the Pope, the broader Church community, and the selection of a new leader. Her thoughts echoed those of many who admired Pope Francis for his down-to-earth style and focus on the poor and vulnerable.
The Cathedral will continue to welcome community members for quiet reflection throughout the traditional nine-day mourning period observed by the Church following a Pope’s death.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged the Pope’s passing by ordering flags to be flown at half-mast across state government buildings. He said Pope Francis was someone who gave “a voice to the voiceless” and served with commitment until the end of his life. The Premier is expected to meet with Archbishop Coleridge to extend condolences on behalf of the state and its large Catholic population.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Archbishop Coleridge believes Pope Francis’s influence on the Church will carry forward, describing his reforms and priorities as changes that “can’t be stopped.” He referred to him not just as the Holy Father, but as a dear brother, a title he used in their correspondence to reflect a shared sense of mission and fraternity.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis remained grounded in his Jesuit values, placing the needs of the poor and marginalised at the heart of his ministry. His papacy marked a shift towards a more pastoral and globally conscious Church, driven by service rather than status.
As the Church now prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope, uncertainty surrounds who might be chosen next. Archbishop Coleridge said it is as unpredictable now as it was when Pope Francis was elected—perhaps fitting for a man whose life and leadership were marked by the unexpected.
Published 22-April-2025
