Australian leaders have paused campaigning out of respect for Pope Francis, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending a morning mass at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he would spend the day reflecting, stating that “today was not the day for big politicking.”
Both leaders have cancelled scheduled campaign events, but will proceed with the third leaders’ debate on Tuesday night.
Albanese, a Catholic, praised Pope Francis as “one of the most significant of all the holy fathers,” highlighting his humility and focus on social justice.
Flags on Commonwealth buildings will be lowered to half-mast in tribute to the Pope.