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

Uniting in Prayer 2026

            30 Days | 30 Voices | One Church in Prayer From Pentecost Sunday on 24 May to the 49th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia on 22 June, we are embarking on a shared season of national prayer. Over these thirty days, thirty voices from across the Church…

For the Love of Our Neighbours: The UCA's Call to End Fossil Fuels

By UCA minister Rev. Meredith WilliamsThe Uniting Church in Australia has always understood that faith without action is incomplete. Our Assembly Strategy 2026–31 calls us to use our voice and our actions to confront injustice — not just within our own borders, but across the world. Nowhere is that prophetic call more urgent than in…

Breaking Every Yoke: A Reflection from AEYA 2026

    Breaking Every Yoke: A Reflection from AEYA 2026By UCA Assembly, Amelia Lavaki and Christian ConolIn May 2026, four young leaders from the Uniting Church in Australia travelled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to take part in the Fifth Asian Ecumenical Youth Assembly (AEYA 2026) — a gathering of young Christians from across Asia united…

A Reflection on the Life of Rev Professor Dr Jione Havea

By President Rev Charissa SuliAll the Scriptures for this week have resonated with us differently today. As the Uniting Church in Australia, we mourn the passing of Jione Havea—a husband, father, brother, colleague, mentor, theologian, and faithful servant of the Church. There’s something about this moment that feels both heavy and sacred.In Acts, we hear of…

Meet Paul Wallbank

  By Michael ZewdieThe Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia is pleased to welcome Mr Paul Wallbank as its incoming National Manager, Media and Communications — a significant appointment as the church continues to deepen its public witness and strengthen how it tells its story to the nation. Paul joins the Assembly from a career that…

Assembly Job Alerts

    The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is recruiting for four senior leadership positions that will shape the national life of the Church for years to come. The roles — Director, Faith & Theology; Director, Identity & Mission; Director, Advocacy & Justice; and Associate General Secretary, Strategy & Governance — each carry significant responsibility for advancing…

Finding Common Ground in the Desert Heart

Finding Common Ground in the Desert HeartBeneath the expansive skies of Central Australia, church leaders from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are gathering this week for a time of shared discernment, strategic collaboration, and deep listening on sacred groundBy Michael ZewdieThis week, in the heart of Anangu Country, a time-honoured expression of ecumenical partnership is…

In Response to Disruptions at Anzac Day Services

    As President of the Uniting Church in Australia, and in solidarity with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and our Synod Moderators, we are deeply concerned and disappointed by the disruption and booing that occurred during Anzac Day services across the nation.Anzac Day is a sacred moment in our national life. It is a…