Pope Francis: Andrew Forrest, Tony Galati, Basil Zempilas and Archbishop of Perth reflect on meetings
As the world comes to terms with the death of Pope Francis, some high-profile WA people lucky enough to meet the Pontiff recalled their encounters with the religious leader.
Mining magnate Andrew Forrest met the Pope in March 2014 and said he left behind a legacy as one of history's most powerful voices influencing the abolition of modern slavery.
'His unrelenting leadership in the fight against modern slavery will pave the way for those who come after him as we strive to stamp out this most wicked form of abuse of our fellow humans. For this, I am eternally grateful,' he said in a statement via the Mindaroo Foundation.
'Indeed, Pope Francis further broke the mould with his clear and unequivocal stance on the science of climate change, viewing it as a moral issue and repeatedly calling for urgent action from world leaders. It would have been far easier for His Holiness not to take up this fight – a fight that will prove to be humanity's greatest – but he was a man of courage and character.'
Spud king Tony Galati met the Pope during a visit to the Vatican in October last year, where he got to shake his hand and say hello.
The Spudshed boss wanted to meet the Catholic leader on behalf of his mother, who was 'really religious' and sadly passed away five years ago.
'It was quite an experience to see because he was very sick. I wasn't too sure he was going to come out, but he made the effort. And it was just amazing to see this man talk to everybody and acknowledge everybody,' he told ABC Radio.
'It was just amazing to be in his presence.
'I looked up and said, 'I did it for you, Mum'.'
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, who travelled to the Vatican in May last year for a global energy and climate summit, felt privileged to meet the Pope.
'I will always remember his soft hands, warm smile and his acknowledgement of Perth and the long distance I had travelled to be there,' Mr Zempilas said.
'He had an amazing aura. It's a brief meeting I will forever remember.'
And no stranger to the Pope's 'good sense of humour' is Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costello who has met him at least five times, most recently in October last year.
'When he speaks to you, you can see that he's interested in what you're saying,' he said.
'He's strong but gentle and has a great sense of humour, so there are some really, really good memories for me.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
16 hours ago
- West Australian
Donald Trump press conference live stream: US President to address the world after bombing Iran
Donald Trump is set to make a live address to the world after announcing the US had bombed Iranian nuclear sites. The President posted on Truth Social on Sunday morning Australian time that a 'full payload' of bombs were dropped on a number of sites , including Fordow. Watch his statement live in the video player above from midday AEST (10am WA time).
Perth Now
16 hours ago
- Perth Now
WATCH LIVE: Donald Trump to address world after bombing Iran
7NEWS Sydney live broadcast. Donald Trump is set to make a live address to the world after announcing the US had bombed Iranian nuclear sites. The President posted on Truth Social on Sunday morning Australian time that a 'full payload' of bombs were dropped on a number of sites, including Fordow. Watch his statement live in the video player above from midday AEST (10am WA time).
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
Premier Roger Cook bound for the UK to push WA's case for AUKUS deal on the rocks
Roger Cook is heading to the UK this week to push WA's case for why the shaky AUKUS deal should proceed, amid fears Donald Trump will torpedo the $368 billion defence agreement. With Mr Trump ordering a review of the deal, the Premier — accompanied by his Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia — will meet with senior British government and defence personnel to emphasise why AUKUS is important to not just Australia, the US and the UK, but to WA. The 2021 AUKUS security pact between the US, Britain and Australia, is supposed to deliver Australia up to five nuclear-powered submarines from about 2030. WA stands to be a major beneficiary, with Henderson — just south of Perth — scheduled to get a $20b boost to become a major defence hub where the submarines would be serviced and naval ship building further developed. About $8b of upgrades are also scheduled to happen at HMAS Stirling, which will become home to Australia's nuclear-propelled AUKUS submarines — Virginia Class SSNs. 'I'm confident that AUKUS is a great deal for the US and Australia and that the Trump administration's review will confirm that,' Mr Cook said. 'While it's only natural that a new administration does a review, there's no doubt we live in uncertain times, and that's why this UK mission is a priority for my Government.' At the G7 summit, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to get a one-on-one meeting with Mr Trump to discuss AUKUS after the US President left early to due to escalating the Middle East crisis. Mr Cook said the deal was in the interests of all three nations, adding any decision not to proceed with the agreement would be worrying. 'Obviously, it (AUKUS not proceeding) would be a concern not only for Australia but for the UK and a concern in relation to the US security attitude towards the geopolitical situation in this region,' he said. 'But, as has been observed by several people, the UK Government undertook its own review of AUKUS when it was elected. 'So, we are not too concerned.' During the five-day mission Mr Cook will hold a roundtable meeting in London with defence industry heavyweights and meet with UK Government officials, including Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, and Lord Spellar, the UK's trade envoy to Australia. The Premier and Mr Papalia will also visit His Majesty's Naval Base, in Devonport which is the sole nuclear repair and refuelling facility for the Royal Navy. Regardless of AUKUS, Mr Cook was confident WA would play a significant in Australia's — and the US and UK's — defence industries. Mr Cook said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had, for example, recently announced a plan to build up to 12 additional nuclear-powered submarines over the next decade — and WA businesses could play a pivotal role in speeding up the construction of these military assets. 'There will still be significant opportunities for Western Australia's defence industry,' Mr Cook said. 'The US and UK will still need WA businesses, or WA manufacturers, to be part of the global supply chain for their own construction effort. 'There are three big opportunities for Western Australia. 'One is around maintenance and sustainment, the other is around frigate construction and the third is around being part of the international manufacturing supply chain for the construction of UK and US subs back in their countries.' Mr Cook said the State's move to renewables and clean energy would also be a selling point. 'This mission to the UK is a crucial part of my Government's plan to diversify the economy and ensure it remains the strongest in the nation,' Mr Cook said. 'We are doing everything we can to ensure that local businesses benefit from this once in a generation boom, and that's why strategic talks with decision-makers to sell our State to the world and garner investment is so important.'
