General news
2 May, 2025
Riverina MP Michael McCormack joins Australian delegation at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome
McCormack represents Australia at funeral for Pope
FEDERAL Riverina MP Michael McCormack, along with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, fellow Nationals MP Keith Pitt and ALP Senator Don Farrell, represented Australia at the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City last weekend.
The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, was attended by over 250,000 mourners, including global dignitaries such as U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88, was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in accordance with his wishes. His simple wooden casket and modest tomb reflected his life of humility and devotion. The funeral was marked by a massive security operation, including anti-drone systems and a no-fly zone, to ensure the safety of attendees.
In a statement released in Rome, Mr. McCormack praised Pope Francis as a “man who embraced those from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities.” He noted the Pope’s preference for simplicity, such as travelling by bus with his Cardinals instead of the Papal limousine, and his informal interactions with church leaders. Mr. McCormack also highlighted the significance of Cardinal Mykola Bychok, an Australian-born Ukrainian Greek prelate, who is now among the Cardinals eligible to elect the next Pope.
The Australian delegation's attendance underscored the nation's respect for Pope Francis and its commitment to international religious diplomacy.
The Hon. Michael McCormack statement on the death of Pope Francis (1936-2025)
Rome, 25 April 2025
Pope Francis will be farewelled the way he lived his life … humbly, serenely and simply.
To visit the late Pontiff, 266th Head of the Roman Catholic Church, lying in state in Saint Peter’s Basilica, was to see a man, an inspirational world leader, whose earthly work had been done.
He looked very much at peace.
His casket was not at all ornate – just a mere wooden vessel in which his mortal remains will rest in eternity.
Pope Francis was all about compassion, humanity, kindness and forgiveness, who helped to take the Catholic Church on a path of modernisation without ever forgetting the traditions of this 2,000-year-old institution.
He would greet and meet his Cardinals informally, standing up, rather than from his Papal chair, which had been the usual custom of Popes past.
He was said to have preferred to catch the bus and be with his Cardinals, rather than travelling in the Papal limousine.
He was very much the People’s Pope – a man who embraced those from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities.
To be asked to represent the Commonwealth Parliament and the people of Australia at such a sad, sombre yet significant occasion in world history is truly a deep honour.
The Pope represented faith, hope and peace in a troubled world and did it in a way that moved many people – those devout believers and many others too.
He leaves a large void in world religion but one which will be filled in due course in a careful, considered way by the Conclave of Cardinals, including one Australia regards very much as now our own, 45-year-old Mykola Bychok, a Ukrainian Greek prelate.
These will be challenging yet momentous times for the church as a new leader is chosen to take Catholics forward in an ever-changing world.
Read More: West Wyalong
