Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is my pleasure to inform the House that this morning I received a message from Sir William Deane, who attended the installation mass of His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome last night, Australian time. I thought it was appropriate to report back to the House, given that we marked that Sir William Deane and his wife would be representing Australia at this event. Sir William informed me that Pope Francis received Sir William and his wife, Lady Deane. Sir William informed His Holiness that he had the warmest good wishes of the government and people of Australia. Sir William reminded His Holiness that three previous popes have visited Australia and he asked him if he would be the fourth pope to do so.

It is good to report that after this brief conversation Pope Francis said he does hope to visit Australia and he expressed his warmest wishes to Australia and to its people. This is an auspicious time for Australian Catholics, and I am delighted that Sir William and Lady Deane could attend and extend the warmest regards of the Australian people.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I echo the words of the Prime Minister, and on behalf of the coalition I thank Sir William and Lady Deane for so well representing our country on this occasion.