More than 700 people gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis on Sunday 27 April 2025. The steady rain outside echoed the tears of millions worldwide mourning the loss of a beloved and compassionate leader whose message of hope, mercy, and love resonated globally.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936, Pope Francis became the 266th pope of the Catholic Church in 2013. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, inspired by St Francis of Assisi, symbolising humility, peace and care for the poor. During his papacy, he championed social justice, environmental care through Laudato Si’, interfaith dialogue, and a Church that reaches out to the marginalised. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, following a life of humble service.
Inside the Cathedral, a large portrait of the Pope paid tribute to a man who lived his life with the humility inspired by the Gospels, with love and compassion towards those he served, and with hope for the future of the Church.
A member of the faithful embraces a framed photo of Pope Francis during Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The Solemn Mass was presided over by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, accompanied by Vicar-General Fr Peter Williams AM, Vicar-General Luis Fernando Montano Rodriguez PP, and other clergy from the Diocese. The congregation, diverse in culture and background, reflected the spirit of inclusion Pope Francis advocated throughout his papacy. Catholics and non-Catholics were invited to unite in mourning and gratitude for a Pope who always met people where they were, especially those on the margins.
Among those present were Ms Donna Davis MP, NSW Member for Parramatta, and Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General and Member for Prospect, who offered their respects alongside the faithful. The St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir led the congregation in hymns and chants.
Bishop Vincent greets Ms Donna Davis MP, NSW Member for Parramatta after Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
In his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected on Pope Francis’ life and ministry, recalling his courageous leadership and deep commitment to building an open, humble, and missionary Church.
“Since the day he appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica some 12 years ago, he has been an unexpected gift from God for the Church and for the world.”
Bishop Vincent highlighted the Pope’s care for the environment and his efforts to foster interfaith understanding, particularly between Christians and Muslims, as an enduring source of inspiration in Western Sydney.
A portrait of Pope Francis inside St Patrick’s Cathedral. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“Though saddened by his loss, we are filled with gratitude for the rich legacy he left to us,” he said.
“Here in our Diocese, his outreach to the marginalised, his bridge-building with non-Catholics and his vision of a synodal church have resonated strongly with us.”
“We have been emboldened to go out into the deep and become the effective vehicle of the Good News for all.”
Bishop Vincent also spoke of the upcoming election of a new pope, urging the congregation to pray together during this time of transition. “Let us accompany each other in prayer for the election of the new pontiff. May we persevere as Pilgrims of Hope and witnesses of the Gospel for the transformation of the world.”
Bishop Vincent delivers his Homily. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Reflections of a great pope
The multicultural community gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral embodied Pope Francis’ vision of fraternity, coming together in mutual respect and shared humanity.
Mary Stanley, who attended the Mass with her husband, reflected, “I thought the service was absolutely beautiful. I loved the beautiful community feeling of this church and its people.”
Sr Patty Andrew OSU and Sr Venera Nicolosi OSU shared how Pope Francis’ message had impacted their religious ministry. Sr Patty recalled one of the Pope’s early statements, “Go to the margins, and there you will find your places of possibility,” which resonated with her ministry. Sr Venera spoke of the Pope’s “spirit of openness and freedom”, which she saw reflected in her Italian heritage.
More than 700 people gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis on Sunday 27 April 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Jack de Groot, CEO of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, noted how Pope Francis’ influence continued in the local Church.
“The community coming together to commemorate the Pope is really important,” he said.
“His work, whether in grappling with synodality or reaching out to excluded communities, is alive in our Diocese.”
Ms Donna Davis MP praised the Pope’s compassion for the marginalised, noting how the service showed the gratitude of the community for his service.
“It’s lovely to see so many people here today acknowledging the work of Pope Francis during his papacy,” she said.
“The anecdotes that the Bishop mentioned, particularly the Pope’s outreach to refugees and those in Gaza, really speak to the values of the man,” she added.
Dr Hugh McDermott MP, State Member for Prospect with Bishop Vincent after Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Dr Hugh McDermott MP highlighted the Pope’s legacy of social justice and environmental care, noting that his leadership resonated beyond the Catholic Church into broader society.
“Pope Francis really was the modern-day Saint Francis of Assisi,” he said. “He really has lived his faith in everything he’s done.”
“One of the most important things to me is Catholic social justice teachings and every day of his whole life he identified exactly that.”
Fr Tom Green, Assistant Priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral, reflected on the timing of the Pope’s passing as a sign from providence.
“It’s a recognition that we can have confidence in God and in the salvation that he offers us,” he said.
“I think Pope Francis is teaching us from the grave – his role was to bring us closer to the mystery of God.”
The Mass received media interest from the Sydney Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), SBS, Channel 7, and Australian Associated Press (AAP), helping share this moment of remembrance with the broader Australian community.
Pope Francis’ enduring impact will continue to shape the Catholic Church in Parramatta, Australia, and globally. As those gathered at the Mass were reminded, Pope Francis showed that greatness is not found in power or prestige but in humble service and love for the most vulnerable among us.
The Mass was livestreamed, and a copy of the recording can be found here.
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