00:00Today is a momentous day for Catholics right around the world and for the faithful here in
00:07Australia. It is an important day and I join them in congratulating the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,
00:14Bishop of Rome, on his election overnight. As the first North American Pope,
00:20Pope Leo XIV's leadership comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and for the world.
00:28I will invite His Holiness, Pope Leo, to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress,
00:34which has been proudly hosted in 2028. I have had discussions with Archbishop Anthony Fisher of
00:44Sydney, who of course I know very well about the importance of Australia hosting that very significant
00:50event in just a few years' time. I know that the Church here in Australia is very excited
00:57to have this privilege and honour. My Government looks forward to continuing Australia's strong
01:03relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. The news was conveyed to me this
01:14morning by our Ambassador-designate to the Holy See, Keith Pitt. I thank him for the role that he has
01:22played in the short time in which he has been in Rome. This is a moment which will bring joy and hope
01:31to Catholics everywhere. May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all
01:39humanity.
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