CATHOLIC Church leaders around Australia have expressed their sadness and respect after Pope John Paul II’s death.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane called on Catholics to remember the Pope’s human side.
Archbishop Bathersby was delivering his homily at the 10am Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral on April 3.
Dressed in the same vestments worn by the Pope during a Mass in Brisbane in 1986, Archbishop Bathersby said what had appealed to him more than anything else about the Pope were the occasions he shared his humanity and his enjoyment of life.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Francis Carroll of Canberra and Goulburn, said he was deeply saddened by news of the Pope’s death.
He said Pope John Paul was a much loved leader of the Church who left an extraordinary legacy.
Cardinal George Pell of Sydney said history would remember the late pontiff as John Paul the Great.
Cardinal Pell said the Pope was always a disciple of Christ as he attempted to explain and relate eternal truths to the tragedy and muddle of 20th century life.
‘John Paul II ended as he began with faith, love and courage,’ Cardinal Pell said.
Melbourne’s Archbishop Denis Hart said Pope John Paul II was a charismatic and inspirational figure.
‘I will remember him as a man of God, a great teacher who taught the authentic doctrine of the Second Vatican Council, a figure who reminded us all of the importance of God, the dignity of the human person and the unique contribution made by families and by the young.’
Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide said John Paul II would be revered as a humble leader.
He said he was impressed by the pontiff’s humility and acceptance.
Archbishop Adrian Doyle of Hobart called the Pope a remarkable human being.
He said the courage shown during his long illness was characteristic of his whole life.
Bishop Christopher Saunders of Broome, who is also chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC), said the Pope would be remembered as a ‘pilgrim of peace’ and a ‘champion of justice’.
