Apostolic Nuncio reflects on Pope Francis at Memorial Mass in Canberra

Hundreds filled St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra on Tuesday night to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose papacy has left a profound mark on the worldwide community.

The Memorial Mass, led by principal celebrant Archbishop Christopher Prowse, was attended by Archbishop Charles Balvo, the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, as well as clergy, dignitaries, seminarians, ecumenical leaders, and faithful from across the region.

In an emotional homily, Archbishop Balvo reflected on personal meetings with the Holy Father and the historic moment Pope Francis was elected.

“When I heard that, I knew this Pontificate would be very different because of who Francis was,” he said.

“Pope Francis was called to be the shepherd of this Church in a very difficult time – a time when, in some ways, the Church was in pieces – and it was the mission given to him to help put it back together.”

Archbishop Balvo noted that Pope Francis began his ministry as Bishop of Rome on March 19, 2013—the Feast of St. Joseph.

“St Joseph is not only the protector of Jesus and Mary, but he is the protector of the Church,” he said.

He further highlighted Pope Francis’ reflection on St Joseph’s approach to his role, describing it as one of discretion, humility, and silence, characterised by an unwavering faithfulness, even during moments of uncertainty.

Archbishop Balvo expanded on the vocation of protector, suggesting that it extends beyond the Church itself.

“Protecting creation has been a priority of Pope Francis since the very start of his Pontificate. It involves respecting all of God’s creatures, as well as the environment we inhabit,” he explained. “This role of protector also calls for care and compassion for all people, particularly those most vulnerable in society, such as children, the elderly and those in need, who are too often overlooked.”

Archbishop Prowse described Pope Francis as a source of hope for the Church and the world.

“What a great gift Pope Francis has been as our Pope over these 12 years. He has been a Pope who has encouraged us to open ourselves more fully to the merciful love of Jesus,” he said.

“This is even reflected in his Papal Motto: ‘Lowly but chosen’. We can certainly say that God has chosen Pope Francis for our time and place.

For me, it has been a Pontificate of beautiful, humble and merciful images.”

Tina and Michael, who attended the Mass with their children, Ava and Harper, described Pope Francis as a “Pope for the people.”

“It was devastating to hear the news that Pope Francis had died. We almost couldn’t believe it,” Tina said.

“He was a beautiful man and we’ll miss him dearly.”

Parishioner Adriana said the Pope’s passing brought both sorrow and a deep sense of spiritual reflection.

“I think that ultimately we all want to be called back home to the Father and be reunited with Him and our loved ones who are in Heaven, and that’s eternal paradise,” she said.

“But for us left behind, it’s sadness because we’ve lost someone who embodied great humility and was reflective of how Christ loved people.”

Seminarian Nick Barry said two words came to mind when he thought of Pope Francis: authentic and compassionate.

“I think in today’s world, particularly as a Catholic, it’s very challenging to be authentic,” he said.

“It’s a real challenge to live the faith unashamedly, to speak the truth boldly. And Pope Francis was excellent in the way that he approached that. He was so compassionate as well. Our world today is more and more, it seems, a suffering world, and he was always aware of those who were doing it tough and extending an arm to help them in their struggle.”

Fr. Daniel, a newly arrived archdiocesan priest from Nigeria, described Pope Francis as an exceptional man.

“He reached out to the vulnerable and the poor, and he was always defending them,” he said.

“He had a lot of opinions about things in the world. Regarding migrants, he was always there for them. Regarding the poor, he stood out.
Pope Francis was a breath of fresh life to the Church and the world.”

Archbishop Prowse said the late Pope left behind a deep and lasting legacy.

“He always insisted that everyone is welcome into the Church, no matter their situation. He always stressed the importance of evangelisation and our need to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth,” he said.

“In the past 24 hours, there has been a groundswell of support and love for Pope Francis, not only from the Catholic community but nationally and internationally from men and women of goodwill who see Pope Francis as a Holy Father.”