The pontiff may never have travelled to Australia, but millions of the country's Christians feel a deep connection to him. Worshippers here have been marking the life of Pope Francis who was seen as down-to-earth and an altruistic presence in troubled times.
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00:00As the news broke, worshippers gathered across Victoria to pay their respects.
00:07A humble man, a man of the people and a man who is across a changing world.
00:13At St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, the Premier among those to offer condolences
00:18as Pope Francis was remembered for his humanity and common touch.
00:23His humility has been amazing and just being one of us.
00:27Archbishop Peter Commensoli said the Pontiff was a voice for the people on the peripheries.
00:34As he used often the need for us to all be gently, attentive and close to those who are suffering, those who are marginalised.
00:46Nor did he shy from the world's most pressing conflicts.
00:50We are deeply grateful that the Holy Father helped Ukrainians who obviously we pray for all the time during this time of horrible war.
01:00A legacy of progress many faithful hope will be carried forward.
01:04I think the role of the Pope today is critical given all the disasters and dramas of the world.
01:11Cardinal Michalow Bichok, Australia's highest ranking Catholic, is on his way to the Vatican to help choose the next Pope.
01:18It's a responsibility and a burden. That weighs very heavily upon him as it does on all the Cardinals.
01:28In Ballarat, churchgoers praised Pope Francis' kindness.
01:32He's been very in touch with our society and culture.
01:37But survivor advocates hope the next leader will do more to address the issue of child sexual abuse by members of the clergy.
01:45Pope Francis did speak out, but I think he could have done a bit more.
01:51So my message obviously to the conclave is hopefully that they pick a Pope who will not forget us.
01:59In the days and weeks ahead, Australia's five million Catholics will continue to attend special masses across the country to mourn the People's Pope
02:07and they'll be focused on the decisions being made half a world away.