General News
30 April, 2025
Catholics mourn the passing of Pope Francis
Catholics across the region are in mourning after the passing of Pope Francis, aged 88.
Catholics across the region are in mourning after Mondays passing of Pope Francis, aged 88.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church had been in poor health and passed away in his sleep just hours after his final public appearance.
St Patrick’s Church in Stawell has seen a steady flow of parishioners all week wanting to say a prayer for their church leader.
Recovering from bronchitis and double pneumonia, Pope Francis emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday.
He smiled, waved and blessed babies as the gleaming white vehicle he sat atop rolled past the crowds in Vatican City.
The Vatican's press machine shared intimate details about the pontiff's last moments, which were spent with his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, among others.
Pope Francis was often regarded as the “People’s Pope”. He was highly regarded for his principled stance on many issues and his desire to right some of the wrongs within the Catholic Church.
Parish Priest for Stawell and Ararat Father Neville Stanislaus said Pope Francis’ passing is a sad time for many Catholics.
“It was a shock, he was out of the hospital and we felt certain he would continue.”
“People were happy their prayers were answered and he’s (the Pope) back again and doing things. So it was back to normal or so we thought,” Father Neville said.
“We thought he would live a bit longer.”
Father Neville said Pope Francis was highly regarded and lover by Catholics around the world.
“He was a good Pope in the sense he brought in everyone, he put the cardinal numbers up and even from (places like) Fiji, and one cardinal in the Philippines.
“He went out of the way to get more countries involved in any decisions making of the church so that’s a good thing he has done.”
Simon Zakrai, who is shadowing Father Neville as part of his parish placement said Pope Francis was a simple and humble Pope
“He was before his time he was a very simple pope. All through the papacy his action, dispositions were all very simple,” he said.
“For the first time we saw women participating in a council meeting. Francis gave that leverage for women to come in women sat with other experts, theologians and cardinals like a round table. That was very good,” he said.
Father Neville said Pope Francis was not afraid of any social issues.
“The big question will be if the legacy will continue or not, That’s a big worry for us. When you see growth you have to (keep going) that way.”
“Hopefully the new leader will keep his legacy,” Father Neville said.
St Patrick’s in Stawell will hold a service at 10.30am this Sunday where people are invited to come and say a prayer for Pope Francis.