"A shepherd of grace and compassion"
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli extends the deepest condolences of the Uniting Church in Australia to the Catholic Church upon the passing of Pope Francis, and pays tribute to the spiritual leader
April 21, 2025
A Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis
Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia
With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd of grace and compassion, earlier today at the age of 88.
On behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia, I extend my deepest condolences to our Catholic sisters and brothers, and all who grieve this profound loss. We join with people of faith around the world in giving thanks for his extraordinary witness, moral courage and lifelong commitment to the Gospel.
Pope Francis was a beacon of humility and compassion. From the moment he chose the name Francis, inspired by the saint known for his love of the poor and care for creation, he embodied the Gospel message in word and deed. A Jesuit priest who took seriously his vow of poverty, his papacy was marked not by the trappings of power but by the simplicity and grace of servant leadership.
"His papacy was marked not by the trappings of power but by the simplicity and grace of servant leadership."
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