Published on: 30April 2025
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis Celebrated at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral
Farewell to a Shepherd: Memorial Mass Celebrated for Pope Francis
Yesterday evening (29 April 2025), the Diocese of Darwin gathered in solemn prayer at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral for a Memorial Mass honouring the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Charles Gauci, along with Bishop Emeritus Eugene Hurley and clergy from across the Diocese.
Together with the faithful, they offered thanksgiving for the Holy Father’s lifelong witness to the Gospel, his compassionate leadership, and his deep love for the poor, the environment, and the Church.
Bishop Charles, reflecting on his personal encounters with Pope Francis, described him as “a true servant of Christ and a man filled with the Holy Spirit.”
In faith and unity, the diocesan community commended Pope Francis for the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Let us continue to hold Pope Francis in our prayers, remembering his extraordinary contribution to the life of the Church and to the world.
Published on: 22 April 2025
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Diocese of Darwin Joins the World in Mourning a Beloved Shepherd
The Diocese of Darwin joins Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died peacefully at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City at 7:35 am (Rome time) on Monday, 21 April 2025. He was 88 years old.
In a heartfelt statement issued today, Bishop Charles Gauci expressed profound sorrow at the loss of a Pope who “inspired millions” and “will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.” Reflecting on Pope Francis’ life and legacy, Bishop Charles described the late Pontiff as “a wonderful man of God and a true servant of Christ.”
“His deep love for Jesus, his profound compassion for the poor and the marginalised, and his call for a Church of mercy and encounter inspired millions,” Bishop Charles wrote. “His Jesuit heart shone through in his leadership: grounded in prayer, rooted in compassion, and always open to where the Spirit was leading.”
Although his health had declined in recent months, news of his death has still brought a deep sense of loss across the global Catholic community and beyond. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European Pope in more than a millennium. He served as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church for over 12 years.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis championed the poor, prioritised climate justice, challenged systemic corruption, and consistently called for a more inclusive and merciful Church. His often-quoted image of the Church as a “field hospital” became a guiding vision for pastoral care in the modern era.
Bishop Charles, who met the Pope on three occasions, noted the personal impact of those encounters. “I have no doubt that he was a man filled with the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Local Tributes and Memorial Masses
While overseas at the time of the announcement, Bishop Charles has appointed Emeritus Bishop Eugene Hurley to lead a Mass for the Repose of Pope Francis’ soul today, Monday 22 April at 12:10pm, at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral, Darwin.
In a broader tribute, a Diocesan Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday 29 April at 7:00pm, also at St Mary’s Cathedral. Simultaneous Memorial Masses are scheduled for 5:30pm in Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy, with other regional services in planning. These liturgies offer the faithful an opportunity to come together in communal prayer and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
All are invited to participate in these moments of reflection and mourning.
A Legacy of Joy, Dialogue, and Pastoral Courage
Pope Francis’ legacy is one of reform, renewal, and relentless focus on Christ. From his encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti to his outreach to migrants, indigenous peoples, and those on the margins, his papacy was one that echoed the Gospel’s most urgent calls.
“He reminded us that the Church must be a place of healing and hope,” Bishop Charles wrote, “especially for those on the peripheries of society.” That vision resonated strongly in regions like the Northern Territory, where pastoral care for diverse and remote communities remains at the heart of the Church’s mission.
As Catholics in the Diocese and around the world pray for the repose of his soul, the words of Bishop Charles capture the spirit of this moment:
“As we grieve his loss, let us also give thanks for the extraordinary gift he has been to our Church and our world. May his words and witness continue to guide us in our own journey of faith.”
Let us all pray: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.