Albanese, Dutton pause campaigning as emotional Prime Minister mourns ‘people’s Pope’

An emotional Anthony Albanese has paused campaigning as he remembered the “people’s pope”, reflecting on Pope Francis as “one of the most consequential leaders of this century and our lifetime”.

Speaking in Melbourne, the Prime Minister, who acknowledged a reluctance to talk about his religious faith in public despite his formative Catholic upbringing, said the pope will be mourned not just by Catholics but by people from all walks of life.

“At times like this, I think what people do is draw on who they are. Catholicism is just a part of me,” he said.

“And one of the things about the Holy Father is that … I think his humility, for the way that he embraced the poor, the way that he embraced the social justice message that I see as the message of Jesus Christ, is really important for so many Catholics.

“He was someone who I personally admired… He had a great deal of courage as well. He was very much a modern leader in the way that he conducted himself.”

Mr Albanese said he believes it is very important that Australia has a secular democracy, but that he would suspend the rest of his campaigning for the morning.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has done the same, telling breakfast television today is not a day for “overt politicking”.

“I don’t think it’s a day for overt politicking at all. I think the day is best spent reflecting,” he told ABC News.

“Obviously, pre-polling opens today and all of that will continue on, but I don’t think there’s a place for the body blows of politics today.”

At this stage, the third leaders debate to be hosted by the Nine Network on Tuesday night, will go ahead.

Mr Albanese said he had spoken with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who was already en route to Türkiye for Anzac Day, and will likely remain in Europe to represent Australia at the pope’s funeral.

The PM said he had also spoken to former Nationals MP Keith Pitt, who has been appointed Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See earlier in the year.

Because of the pope’s illness, Mr Pitt has not yet been able to present his credentials and formally begin the role - but is helping coordinate arrangements.