Australia, NZ leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Leaders in Australia and New Zealand have expressed their sadness at the death of Pope Francis.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the pope would be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

"Today the prayers of more than a billion people, of all nations and every walk of life, go with Pope Francis to his rest," Albanese said at a press conference.

"Pope Francis' compassion embraced all humanity. He urged us to remember all we hold in common and asked the world to hear the 'cry of the earth', our common home," Albanese said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his thoughts were with Catholics and all those who mourned the pope's death.

"A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue," Luxon wrote on X.