Australians start voting in general elections as pope’s death overshadows campaigning

Australian politicians pay respects to late Pope Francis, impacting election campaigning as polling stations open for early voting.

Australians began voting Tuesday (April 22, 2025) at general elections as campaigning was overshadowed by the death of Pope Francis.

Polling stations opened to voters who for a variety of reasons will be unable to vote on May 3. Around half the votes are expected to be cast before the election date.

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Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton cancelled campaign events planned for Tuesday (April 22, 2025) out of respect for the late pontiff.

Flags were flown at half staff from government buildings across the country where a 2021 census found 20% of the population were Catholics.

Mr. Albanese was raised as a Catholic but chose to be sworn in as Prime Minister when he was elected in 2022 by making a secular affirmation rather than by taking an oath on a Bible.

Mr. Albanese attended a Mass in honour of the pope in Melbourne’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday (April 22, 2025 morning.