Uniting Church Logo
17th ASSEMBLY
Donate

"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."

If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.

He reminded us again and again that God's mercy knows no bounds. Whether embracing those on the margins, advocating for migrants and refugees, washing the feet of prisoners or speaking tenderly to those wounded by injustice, Pope Francis proclaimed a love that heals and restores. His call to "be a church of the poor and for the poor" echoed Christ’s own mission and challenged us all to live with greater generosity and compassion.

Pope Francis also gave voice to creation's cry, urging the world to see environmental care as a sacred responsibility. His encyclical Laudato Si' was not only a theological reflection but a passionate plea for justice—for the earth and for the most vulnerable communities suffering the effects of climate change. He reminded us that caring for our common home is an act of faith, hope, and love.

Pope Francis sought to face the deep pain and betrayal caused by the scourge of child sexual abuse within the church. While acknowledging the church’s serious failures, he called for accountability, particularly by seeking an end to the culture of secrecy which has long contributed to the concealment of abuse. His efforts to listen to survivors with humility reflected his commitment to healing, however incomplete the journey remains.

Pope Francis spoke truth with both courage and kindness. He was not afraid to challenge the world’s indifference or to call the church itself to greater integrity and compassion. In his life and ministry, we glimpsed the heart of Christ.

As we grieve, we also give thanks for Pope Francis’ extraordinary witness and we commit ourselves to walking the path he illuminated - one of mercy, justice and love for all creation.  His legacy will continue to inspire people of all faiths and none to embrace the call to peace, compassion, and justice. May the Spirit of comfort surround all who mourn, as we pray that he will be welcomed home by the boundless mercy of God he so faithfully proclaimed in life.

We now uphold the Catholic Church in the coming time of mourning, and as it prepares to begin its treasured process to elect a new spiritual leader.

With every blessing and in the peace of Christ,

Reverend Charissa Suli
President, Uniting Church in Australia

More news from the Assembly

Korean Conference gathers

Korean National Conference 2026 The Korean National Conference recently gathered for a time of worship, fellowship and discernment, celebrating the vibrant contribution of our Korean members.By Rev Dr Kevin Kim, Minister, Trinity UCA Brighton and  Chairperson, Korean National ConferenceThe 2026 Korean National Conference took place from 20–22 July in Belgrave, Victoria, and brought together nearly…

Satara’s story: listening for justice

Satara’s story: listening for justice Meet Satara Uthayakumaran, whose lifelong faith journey in the Uniting Church has shaped her commitment to justice, service and amplifying young people’s voicesFor Satara Uthayakumaran, advocacy has never been about having the loudest voice in the room. It has always begun with listening. At just 24, the lifelong member of…

Meet Hannah Jackson

The National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia is delighted to welcome Hannah Jackson as Director, Advocacy & Justice. Hannah brings to the role almost two decades of experience across advocacy, public policy, communications and government affairs, alongside a lifelong commitment to the Uniting Church. Throughout her career she has sought to build coalitions,…

Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM

Vale Rev Dr John Brown AM: a faithful pioneer of the Uniting ChurchIt is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rev Dr John Brown AM, one of the Uniting Church in Australia’s most influential leaders, who died last Friday, 17 July, at the age of 92. A faithful servant…

Assembly Standing Committee charts a hopeful path for the Uniting Church

The Assembly Standing Committee met in Sydney from 17–19 July, bringing together members from across the country to guide the national work of the Uniting Church and continue implementing the priorities adopted by the 17th Assembly. Across three days, the Standing Committee focused on its governance responsibilities including hearing the annual report from Frontier Services,…

New leaders inducted and commissioned in Sydney

New leaders inducted and commissioned at Sydney ceremonySubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.Last Friday, the National Assembly celebrated the Induction and Commissioning of recently appointed Directors in a ceremony presided by the Uniting Church…

Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action

Tuvalu’s call: A partnership of faith, hope and action The Uniting Church in Australia has renewed its partnership with the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) this week, reaffirming a shared commitment to faith, solidarity and climate justice as Tuvalu faces an increasingly uncertain future.   On the low-lying islands of Tuvalu, climate change is not a…

Broome UC: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley

Broome Uniting: Celebrating 100 years and more in the Kimberley Next month the Broome Uniting Church celebrates a centenary of worship in its current church building. Wendy Hendry from the Synod of WA recently travelled to the neighbouring Northern Synod to learn more about the church and its people   This article was first published…