Albanese says pontiff was a ‘devoted champion and a loving father’ as Melbourne Cardinal Mykola Bychok praises ‘strong defender of life’. Follow today’s news live

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Monsignor Stuart Hall, the dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, tells mourners that the “beloved” Pope Francis called out to a range of voices including the dispossessed.

He says Christians around the world are saddened by the death of Francis, but rejoice in him returning home.

We saw a compassionate man, someone who was full of mercy and who always took care of those he saw in need … So our thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic community today.

People from all faiths will mourn the loss of Pope Francis tonight - he was a strong voice for peace, compassion and refugees.

Even as his health faded, Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for Palestine, calling people in Gaza even from his hospital bed. Vale.