Australian bishops: Remember vulnerable, disadvantaged when voting

“In determining our electoral choices, Australian Catholics search always to uphold the sanctity of life, protect the vulnerable, support and strengthen families, promote the common good and foster a just society where all Australians can thrive,” the statement noted.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, commended the statement to all people of good will.

“As political discourse becomes increasingly polarised, we must commit ourselves to conscientious voting, carefully considering the facts and supporting policies that improve the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Titled Called to Bring Hope in the Year of Jubilee, the statement draws on the 2025 Holy Year of Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.

“Pope Francis reminds us that ‘all of us have received the gift and task of bringing hope wherever hope has been lost, lives broken, promises unkept, dreams shattered and hearts overwhelmed by adversity’,” the bishops’ statement noted.

The federal election is believed to be the first in Australian history in which both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition identify as Catholics. Neither Anthony Albanese nor Peter Dutton is a regular Massgoer, but both acknowledged to media recently that they have Catholic backgrounds.

Mr Albanese says that he is a flawed Catholic who goes to church occasionally by himself. He acknowledges his background, his upbringing and the values he received of kindness and compassion.

Mr Dutton grew up in a mixed marriage, with his father a Catholic and his mother a Protestant. He went to an Anglican school but, according to a media interview, nowadays he identifies with the Catholic Church even though he does not attend church regularly.

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