QUEENSLAND’S regional bishops have shared their sadness at the death of Pope Francis as well as his impact on them and his vision for the Church.
Pope Francis appointed all four of Queensland’s incumbent regional bishops – Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy in 2014, Townsville Bishop Tim Harris in 2017, Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell in 2023 and Cairns Bishop Joe Caddy in 2024.
Bishop Harris said he was saddened at the news of his death.
“I liked him very much and I liked what he was trying to do for our Church,” he said.
He fondly remembers meeting Pope Francis on two occasions in 2017 and 2019.
“He warmly greets you, he looks you in the eye and gives a beautiful smile,” he said.
“I remember him saying to me these words: ‘pray for me’.”
Bishop Harris said it was a sign of the pope’s humility and a “very powerful thing” for him to ask for prayers.
Bishop Howell said Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving God and the Church with “unwavering faith, compassion, and humility”.
He also met Pope Francis twice in 2017 and 2019, saying he warmly greeted everyone he met.
He remembered during the 2019 Australian Ad Limina, Pope Francis met with the bishops for two hours, “where we discussed many matters with him in a very casual and relaxed meeting”.
“This is a great example of his style as pope,” he said.
“He welcomed every person he met with warmth and with a deep respect of the dignity of every human person. “It was here that his light shone out, especially in his respect and care for the marginalised.
“He preached that Christ came for all people, especially those on the peripheries of society, and it was here that he showed particular care and deep interest in their lives.”
Bishop Caddy met with Pope Francis recently for his formation as a new bishop.
He remembered feeling “struck” by the Pope’s determination “which seemed to radiate from him”.
He noted how Pope Francis encouraged a pastoral way of life for priests, asking them to be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep”.
Bishop McCarthy said the news of Pope Francis’ death reached him on Easter Monday night in Rockhampton.
“I had watched him being present to the pilgrims on Easter Sunday bringing them hope and joy,” he said.
“His final public act characterised his last 12 years of papacy as he travelled the world being a gentle presence to the churches in faraway places, recently including Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.
“His concern for the environment and refugees marked him out as a world leader with integrity and courage.
“Throughout his 12 years his writings set the agenda for the Church and made him one of the most read popes, as he inspired us all to be a Church that listens and is attentive to the needs of those on the edge.
“He encouraged us all to be the disciples of the Risen Lord, with all being co-responsible for the mission of the Church.”
Bishop McCarthy said he had the “great privilege” to meet him when he became a bishop in September 2014, and then again in June 2019.
“My fondest memory was at World Youth Day in Lisbon and experiencing the excitement of our young people as he entered their lives,” he said. “Pope Francis was a shepherd to us all as he led the Church.
“He now enjoys the house of the Father and in his words, ‘the House with doors wide open and ready to receive us’.”
