As the Archdiocese of Sydney prepares to host the 2028 International Eucharistic Congress (IEC), excitement is mounting over the potential participation of the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV.
In an exclusive interview with The Catholic Weekly, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP expressed his anticipation that Pope Leo XIV will visit Sydney for the congress and shared what this historic event will mean for the archdiocese and the wider Australian community.
“I am very much looking forward to his coming to Sydney for the IEC, in 2028. He was part of the process of approving it, so we have a foot in the door in making sure he comes.
“Our Prime Minister and our Premier have joined me in asking him to come so we can be confident that he will,” he said.
“We were realistic that Pope Francis, given the state of his health, might not be able to attend. But with a new, healthy, and younger pope, we have a greater prospect that he’ll be present at our International Eucharistic Congress.”
In a statement congratulating the new Holy Father Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the pontiff would be welcomed at the International Eucharistic Congress.
“My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate,” Albanese said. “This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere.
“May the papacy of Pope Leo XIV advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity.”
Archbishop Fisher said Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Sydney will mark a historic milestone.
“It will be very exciting. It will mark our first papal visit since Pope Benedict came for World Youth Day 20 years before,” he said.
Such an event would serve as a powerful catalyst for evangelisation and reaffirmation of faith across the country, the archbishop added.
“Many Australians, regardless of their backgrounds—practicing Catholics, other Christians, and people from the wider community—will want to be part of this great celebration of faith,” he said.
On the qualities the new pontiff might bring to the congress, Archbishop Fisher shared his personal experiences of meeting Pope Leo in his role as The Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and as a member of the Synod of Bishops last year.
“I had encounters with him and conversations with him about different matters. He is very easy to talk to, very informal. You knew he was talking straight to you. His words are accessible, easy to follow, and encouraging.”
The Catholic Weekly inquired about the significance of Pope Leo’s former middle name, Francis, and which qualities of Pope Francis he expects to bring to his own papacy.
“His appointment by Pope Francis demonstrates that he has the confidence of the previous pontiff, so I think we can presume that there will be continuities with Francis,” Archbishop Fisher said.
“But he is also a different man, and will be his own man, with a different spiritual tradition – an Augustinian is very different to a Jesuit.”
Archbishop Fisher expressed hope that Pope Leo’s United States’ upbringing would bring a different temperament to Pope Francis.
“He’s worked in Latin America as our previous pope did, but he comes from the United States. So, he comes from a very different world to the world that Pope Francis came from. And I think he probably comes with a very different temperament.
“If Pope Francis was inclined to provoke a storm from time to time, I think Pope Leo is more likely to bring peace and pour oil on troubled water,” he said.
“The role of Peter is to unify the church and the world, guiding us closer to God and our Catholic faith. I believe he will do both.”
