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Contestants are taking to the drink in homemade boats for Darwin's Beer Can Regatta. (Lloyd Jones/AAP PHOTOS)

Religion and BeliefCan-do boat crews make a splash at Beer Can Regatta

Thousands have gathered at a popular city beach to watch crews on beer-can boats battle it out, pirate-like, to find and keep underwater treasure.

Lloyd Jones

Fireworks are on their way to the NT for its annual explosive night of celebrating self-governance. (Lucy Hughes Jones/AAP PHOTOS)

Religion and BeliefFireworks on way to ensure Territory Day isn't a fizzer

A territory's explosive celebrations are back on track after a seized shipment of fireworks was released, ensuring the beloved event is not a fizzer.

Lloyd Jones

People chanted “Viva il Papa” (Long Live the Pope) and “Papa Leone”, his name in Italian.

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Religion and Belief Comments
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Pope Leo XIV sets tone for his papacy with call for equality

Pope Leo XIV set the tone for his papacy Sunday with a call to stop exploiting nature and marginalising the poor, before an audience including JD Vance and tens of thousands of pilgrims.

Clement Melki

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) is among world leaders in Rome for Pope Leo's inauguration. (Flavio Brancaleone/AAP PHOTOS)

Religion and BeliefPM in Rome for Pope's inauguration and leaders' talks

Anthony Albanese has joined crowds at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration in Rome amid a hive of diplomatic activity on the sidelines, including EU trade talks.

Samantha Lock

Mr Albanese flew into Rome on Friday from Jakarta, after holding formal meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in his first overseas trip after his election victory.

Religion and BeliefCommentsPM’s presence in Rome ‘wonderful’ says Perth Archbishop

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe says the Prime Minister’s presence in the Vatican City for the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV will strengthen the relationship between Australia and the Holy See. 

Danielle Le Messurier

"No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person," the Pope said. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPremiumPope affirms family is based on traditional marriage

Pope Leo XIV has used a speech to diplomats to restate the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage as being a "stable union between a man and a woman".

Nicole Winfield

The Pope has called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza and welcomed the India-Pakistan truce. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPope Leo will make 'every effort' for world peace

"Those who make history are the peacemakers," Pope Leo XIV says, as the new pontiff vows to work to bring peace to conflicts around the world.

Alvise Armellini

"We must say no to the war of words and images," Pope Leo XIV told the audience. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPremiumPope Leo urges release of imprisoned journalists

Pope Leo XIV has hailed press freedom and called for the release of reporters jailed for doing their jobs as he met the public for the first time as pontiff.

Nicole Winfield

Pope Leo XIV has appeared at St Peter's Basilica's central balcony for his first Sunday blessing.

Religion and BeliefCommentsPope Leo urges 'no more war' in first Sunday message

Pope Leo XIV has called for peace in Ukraine, a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff.

Joshua McElwee and Philip Pullella

Pope Leo XIV has asked cardinals to ‘continue on the journey’ begun by Pope Francis.

Religion and BeliefCommentsPope Leo urges cardinals to continue legacy of Francis

Pope Leo XIV has signalled he will continue with the vision and reforms of Pope Francis, telling the world’s Catholic cardinals the late pontiff left a ‘precious legacy’ that they must continue.

Philip Pullella and Joshua McElwee

Australian Catholics are celebrating the elevation of Pope Leo XIV. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Religion and BeliefPremiumCatholic leaders lobbying for Pope to visit Australia

As Catholics across Australia celebrate the elevation of Pope Leo XIV, the wheels are already in motion to bring the pontiff down under.

Sam McKeith

The newly elected Pope celebrated mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPremiumNew Pope vows to bring light to world's 'dark nights'

Leo XIV has pledged to help the Catholic Church be an "ark of salvation" as he celebrated his first mass as pontiff and as history's first US pope.

Philip Pullella, Joshua McElwee and Keith Weir

“He listens deeply and he responds thoughtfully. They were the two things that struck me very strongly.” said Rev Timothy Costelloe about the new Pope.

Religion and BeliefPremiumPerth Archbishop reveres Pope Leo as compassionate leader

Perth’s Archbishop says the new leader of the Catholic Church ‘listens deeply and responds thoughtfully’ after meeting him several times.

Claire Sadler

John Prevost had "a moment of disbelief " when he learned his brother Robert was elected pope. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPremiumBrother's shock turns to pride as sibling becomes pope

John Prevost long knew his brother would be a priest but was stunned when he became pope, something a neighbour predicted when Leo XIV was just six years old.

Obed Lamy and Hallie Golden

The first American pope in history has been named as Robert Francis Prevost.

World NewsCommentsWhat we know of new Pope’s views on five hot button topics

A new chapter of the 1.3 billion-strong Catholic Church has begun with the election of  Pope Leo XIV, but where does he stand on the big issues? 

Sarah Steger

Anthony Albanese will invite the pope to visit Australia.

WorldCommentsAlbanese invites new pope to Australian gathering

The Prime Minister has invited the new pope, Leo XIV, to visit Australia and lauded his election as a momentous day for Catholics around the world.

Katina Curtis

For centuries, the process of electing a Pope was messy.

World NewsVideoCommentsFrom open bribery to riots. Weird papal conclaves

For centuries, the process of electing a Pope was messy. Street riots, bloody brawls, beheadings, bribes and a pope sentenced to labor in a horse stable all featured in leadership skirmishes in the early days.

Petula Dvorak

Pope Leo XIV has delivered his first speech.

Religion and BeliefComments'Evil will not prevail!': Pope Leo XIV's first speech

The full first speech of Pope Leo XIV, given from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica shortly after his election as new pope and leader of the Catholic Church.

Staff Writers

The newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

World NewsVideoCommentsWhat does the papal name Leo mean? The history explained

Cardinal Robert Prevost’s new name Leo XIV may signal what the Catholic Church will look like under his papacy.

Kelsey Ables, Vivian Ho, Amaya Verde, Sammy Westfall

People in the Holy Name Cathedral celebrate Chicago's Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becoming pope. (EPA PHOTO)

Religion and BeliefPremiumChicago Catholics celebrate as native son becomes pope

Catholic Chicagoans gathered in churches and celebrated at home as the historic decision was announced that native son Robert Prevost had been elected pope.

Christine Fernando and Melina Walling

The newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Religion and BeliefVideoCommentsThe world reacts to Leo XIV, the first American pope

Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago has been elected pope, taking the name Leo XIV.

Staff Writers

Robert Prevost's selection as pontiff to replace Pope Francis has been welcomed in Australia. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

Religion and BeliefCommentsAustralians welcome new Pope's 'missionary heart'

Australian Catholics are welcoming the appointment of American Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, saying he is approachable and a willing listener.

Andrea Hayward and Alex Mitchell

Pope Francis appointed Robert Francis Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals in 2025. (AP PHOTO)

Religion and beliefCommentsPope Leo XIV overcame a taboo against a US pontiff

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV is a Peruvian citizen, apparently allowing him to overcome a traditional taboo against the election of pontiff from the United States.

Staff Writers

"Peace be with you all," Pope Leo XIV has said from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. (AP PHOTO)

popeCommentsUS cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States has been elected leader of the Catholic Church and taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

Staff Writers