Key Points
- Catholics around the world, including Filipinos and Australians, welcomed the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, as their new leader.
- Many Australian faithful, including Fr Michael Belonio and Ian Epondulan are hopeful that the Pope will bring change to the church and the world.
- Diocese of Broken Bay priest Fr Michael recalls several encounters with the now Pope Leo during his visits to Australia between 2002 and 2010.
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'We are hopeful': Filipino Catholics in Australia look to Pope Leo's leadership for deeper unity in the Church and beyond
SBS Filipino
15:03
Long before his election to the Papacy, Pope Leo XIV had already made several visits to Australia. His connection with the country and its Catholic community brought particular joy to many Australian faithful upon his papal appointment.
Staying up in the early hours to watch history being made was Father Michael Belonio.
The Parish Priest from the Catholic Community of North Harbour in northern Sydney recalls visits to the parish by Pope Leo back when he was Prior General of the Order of St Augustine.
"Everyone was just happy in the church because most of us were aware that our new Pope had been in our parish a few times. He has celebrated Mass at that very same altar where I celebrated Mass this morning.
He has shared morning tea, meals with us in this vicinity many times. So it's just a blessing to know him personally."
The division in the Catholic Church would still linger and probably be a constant problem, but I hope that he can bring his own change to it. I am hopeful for Pope Leo XIV that he can bring about change and continue the legacy of Pope Francis.Fr Michael Belonio OSA
Fr Belonio is very hopeful of the new Pope's leadership bringing change to the Church and for the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
"I think his leadership will guide the Church toward deeper unity, greater love and a renewed commitment to seeking truth."
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th leader of the Catholic Church, succeeding the late Pope Francis and the first pontiff from America.
He was elected by a group of 133 cardinals after two days of deliberations at the Vatican.
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