NZ Parliament has special debate on Pope’s passing

Prime Minister Chris Luxon moved on May 6 that “this House express its deep sadness on the recent death of His Holiness Pope Francis and express its sincere condolences to the Holy See and to Roman Catholics in New Zealand and around the world, who are feeling a profound sense of loss and sorrow at this time”.

The motion was carried without opposition.

Speaking to the motion, Mr Luxon expressed gratitude that “we were graced by [the Pope’s] leadership in this world”.

Describing Pope Francis as a “man of enormous humility”, Mr Luxon said it was a “great honour to pay respects to His late Holiness on behalf of all New Zealanders at his funeral”.

“With nearly 100 heads of State and of Government in attendance at his funeral, we heard the Pope’s exhortation to build bridges, not walls. World leaders were reminded that this was a man of peace. He believed in negotiated solutions. He intervened himself to mediate conflicts, engaged in interreligious dialogue and he felt personally the pain of those most afflicted by war. I have no doubt that the world leaders present heard his message of peace,” Mr Luxon said.

The Leader of the Opposition, Chris Hipkins, offered condolences to Catholics on behalf of the Labour Party.

He described Pope Francis as “a spiritual leader whose impact extended across nations, bringing hope to the world and to the Church. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was a beacon of hope, compassion and mercy. He embodied the values of humility, mercy and devotion to justice”.

Green Party MP Francisco Hernandez said that the “Pope’s ministry has been likened to that of a prophet . . . , and like the prophets of old, he was a man utterly unafraid to call out the injustices of a broken global system that throws away the most poor and marginalised”.

Nicole McKee of the ACT Party said that Pope Francis “reminded many, including some of us who no longer attend Mass, of the better traits of human nature and the importance of forgiveness, love and faith – faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in humanity”.

Casey Costello of New Zealand First closed her speech by praying the Hail Mary. It is believed that this is the first time that prayer has been said in proceedings in the New Zealand Parliament.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer acknowledged the “mana” of Pope Francis.

“Unlike many before him, he did begin to name the pain,” she said. “He apologised to indigenous peoples in Canada. He denounced what he called the ‘colonising mentality of the Church’.”

Ms Ngarewa-Packer and Mr Hernandez spoke about the issue of abuse in the Church, acknowledging progress made under Pope Francis, but saying more work is needed.

FULL STORY

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – Volume 783 – New Zealand Parliament (Hansard/New Zealand Parliament)

MPs give Pope a tardy but honest obituary (Radio New Zealand)