Catholic communities across New Zealand are mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis and will be holding special Masses in the coming days to allow people to pray.
Pope Francis, who was elected to the papacy in March 2013 and became the first pope in a millennia from outside Europe, died on Monday evening (NZ time).
The 88-year-old pontiff died of a stroke, followed by a coma and heart failure at his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican.
Catholicism was the largest religious group in the country at the 2023 census, with more than 400,000 New Zealanders identifying with the faith.
New Zealand-based Cardinal John Dew would head to Rome to attend the Pope’s funeral and take part in the conclave process which will determine his successor.
He was created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis on February 15, 2015.
1News’ Europe Correspondent takes a look back at the Pope’s life – watch on TVNZ+
Bishop of Auckland Steve Lowe told Breakfast he had received the news of Pope Francis’ death with “real sadness” but also “a little bit of happy release”.
“His health hasn’t been well, and like anyone elderly in the family, we don’t like to see them suffer. He’d always worked tirelessly for the Lord and our hope is that he sees him face to face.”
The pope’s leadership had been “very grassroots”, Lowe said.
Speaking to Breakfast, Bishop of Auckland Steve Lowe remembered Pope Francis as a “man of God who loved God’s people”. (Source: Breakfast)
“He knew people who struggled and that’s what he took into his pontificate. The commandment is to love God with all your heart, your neighbour as yourself.
“I think Francis embodied those, but also he embodied the love of the creation of which we’re a part.”
Lowe said Pope Francis was “down to earth” in the times he had met him and always had a “big smile”.
“He was a man of God who loved God’s people.”
Lowe, who is also president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops conference, said one of Pope Francis’ lasting legacies would be his encouragement for the church to be a “place of listening, of dialogue, and of discernment”.
“The Holy Father reminded us of the importance of walking together as the entire People of God – lay people, religious women and men, and clergy – following the path of Jesus.
“New ways of engaging with one another and new styles of leadership have emerged and are emerging, and we will have Pope Francis to thank for much of that renewal.”
Catholic communities across New Zealand would be holding special Masses to allow people to pray for Pope Francis, Lowe said.
“There is an obvious and an enduring connection that we Catholics have with Pope Francis, but we invite our Christian brothers and sisters, other people of faith and people who are searching to join us in lifting up our departed brother in prayer,” he said.
“In that sense, we are following the Church’s practice of praying for any person who has died – albeit a Pope on this occasion.”
Flags at half mast around the country
New Zealand’s flag will fly at half-mast to mark the passing and funeral of Pope Francis.
The Ministry of Culture and Heritage said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon asked for the New Zealand flag to be flown at half-mast on all government and public buildings.
The instruction applies to all government departments, buildings and naval vessels which have flag poles and normally fly the New Zealand flag.
Speaking to Breakfast, Christopher Luxon discussed his meeting with the King, his plans for his UK trip, and the death of Pope Francis. (Source: Breakfast)
A flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast, and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position.
The flags will return to full mast at on Wednesday at 5pm.
