Australian prime minister pays emotional tribute to Pope Francis as a ‘devoted champion’

Pope Francis was deeply mourned in Australia after his death, with Prime Minister Albanese leading tributes by praising him as a unifying figure who championed global unity and faith. Flags were flown at half-mast, and thousands gathered under stormy skies in cities like Sydney and Melbourne to honor his legacy of love and inclusion. Catholic leaders and followers worldwide expressed hope that the Church would carry on Francis’s vision, with condolences from other faiths underscoring his profound global influence.