Australians recently participated in general elections as the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis. Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton, the two key contenders, paused their campaign events out of respect for the occasion. With Australia having a significant Catholic population, flags were flown at half-staff nationwide. Albanese even attended a Mass in Melbourne to honor the late Pope. Both leaders recognized the solemnity of the day and the importance of the Catholic community in Australia. Albanese’s Labour Party is vying for a second term in office as the political landscape in the country remains dynamic.