Anthony Albanese is speaking in Melbourne:

The Holy Father Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity. His kindness, humility and devotion were admired by people of all faiths and people of none. That’s why his loss is being mourned not by just over one billion Catholics around the world, but people from all walks of life. He was the first Jesuit Pope and the first to take the name of that great champion of the poor, St. Francis of Assisi. In the truest sense of the words he practised what he preached. The Holy Father was one of the most consequential leaders of this century and of our lifetime. He was indeed the people’s Pope. He was tireless in advocating for the powerless, campaigning against poverty, for the rights of working people and for protecting our natural environment.
 
Pope Francis stayed true to his origins. As Pontiff he never rose above small acts of kindness and compassion. What we saw in him was an abiding spirit of humility. There was a gentleness about him, but it was a gentleness that contained such inner strength. The Holy Father was devoted to his faith and found expression of that through his devotion to humanity. Tributes we have seen from all over the world speak for people’s genuine sense of connection to Pope Francis, the qualities they recognised and admired in him. When I attended St Patrick’s Cathedral last night and then attending mass this morning, speaking to parishioners who have been deeply moved by the life and the legacy of the Holy Father.
 
I will pause my other campaign related events this morning. Today, flags will fly at half mast on Commonwealth buildings right around Australia as a mark of respect to the Holy Father