Australia’s political leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis, as the country’s main parties paused election campaigning on Tuesday.
Early voting ahead of the May 3 federal election begins Tuesday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a mass to pay tribute to the pope at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
He said government flags would fly at half-mast to honor the late pontiff, who died Monday morning aged 88.
At a press conference, Albanese said Francis “was one of the most consequential leaders of this century and of our lifetime. He was, indeed, the people’s Pope.”
The prime minister added that he had paused campaigning on Tuesday morning.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also confirmed he was suspending campaign activities for the day, saying it was not the time for “big politicking,” public broadcaster ABC reported.
A TV debate between Albanese and Dutton slated for Tuesday night is expected to go ahead.
Masses are planned in Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific region to pray for Pope Francis following his death.
Four cardinals from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Papua New Guinea are due to travel to Rome to take part in the conclave to select the next pope.
Source: DW