Albanese said the Pope was as close to the people of Australia as the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere, in an address to the nation after the announcement of the pope’s death on Easter Monday.

“Pope Francis’s love for humanity was powerful and profound,” Albanese said.

“The memory and example of his compassion will long endure.”

The prime minister, who wore a black suit and tie, has asked for flags across Australia to be flown at half-mast tomorrow.

At times, he appeared emotional.

“Australian Catholics and faithful around the world give thanks for the life of their holy Father. Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome,” Albanese said.

“Today, the prayers of more than a billion people from all nations in every walk of life go with Pope Francis to his rest.

“His was a papacy of firsts, the first pope to hail from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to take the name of that great champion of the poor, Saint Francis of Assisi.

“Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”

Albanese visited St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne to pay his respects.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also paid tribute on behalf of the Coalition.

“His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life.

“He was the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first Latin American Pope.

“He lived frugally and simply.

“Above all else, he was driven by Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness.

“He emphasised those values in his last Christmas address saying, ‘God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.'”

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher has said Pope Francis “embodied Christ’s command to care for all people, especially the most vulnerable.”

“The Church in Sydney and Australia joins with people throughout the world in mourning the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis,” Fisher said.

“As priest, bishop and pope, he embodied Christ’s command to care for all people, especially the most vulnerable.”