Pope Leo XIV elected as new leader of the Catholic Church 
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV. His election marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as he becomes the first pope from the US.
Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine and brings with him decades of pastoral experience, including years as a missionary in Peru and, most recently, as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome.
In his first public remarks, the new pope paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis and called for peace, urging the faithful to ‘move forward, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other.’
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference welcomed the news, describing Pope Leo XIV as a man of God who will bring wisdom, compassion and a global perspective to the role. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Bishop Greg Bennet will travel to Rome for the installation.
Literacy challenges begin in childhood and persist into adulthood
Schools are the best place to begin addressing low literacy, which affects an estimated one in three Australian adults, according to experts.
But the National Teaching of Reading Survey, released by the Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA), reveals that while primary teachers feel confident in their literacy instruction, they say the biggest challenge is catering to the wide range of student abilities in the classroom.
‘Teachers are asking for more time, more collaboration, and better resources to support them,’ associate professor Helen Adam from Edith Cowan University said.
The report calls for reduced administrative burdens and more learning support staff to help teachers deliver high-quality, targeted instruction. It also highlights the need for whole school reading strategies.
Dr Cath Ferguson, also from Edith Cowan University, said low adult literacy is often rooted in childhood factors such as undiagnosed learning difficulties, interrupted schooling or a lack of home support. She emphasised the importance of early intervention and a respectful, supportive classroom environment.
‘Being able to read and write is often assumed, but many people carry shame or embarrassment due to gaps in literacy,’ Dr Ferguson said. ‘Schools can help change that story.’
Support for adults with literacy gaps is available through the Reading Writing Hotline (1300 6 555 06) and Read Write Now in WA (1800 018 802).
In brief
Bishop Peter Murphy was ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of Armidale last week, during a joyful evening celebration at Saints Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral in Armidale attended by a full congregation.
Caritas Australia and Catholic Religious Australia have renewed their call for unimpeded humanitarian aid access and an end to civilian suffering in Gaza. They echoed Pope Leo XIV’s recent appeal for peace and expressed concern over Israel’s move to let private companies control aid distribution, warning it could militarise relief efforts. To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Jesuit Mission Australia is urgently seeking support for families in Myanmar, where four years of conflict and natural disasters have devastated communities. Find the Emergency Action Fund donation page here.
Catholic education, union welcome Labor team: Catholic education leaders and the Independent Education Union have welcomed Jason Clare’s reappointment as Education Minister, praising continuity and support for school choice. They also congratulated new ministers Jess Walsh and Amanda Rishworth, and expressed hopes for action on workload, staffing, and early education. Catholic Health Australia welcomed Mark Butler’s return as Health Minister and Sam Rae’s appointment to Aged Care.
What’s on
Caritas Australia’s ‘Turn debt into hope’ campaign launch: Caritas Australia launches its campaign with a national webinar marking 10 years since Laudato Si’ and the Catholic Jubilee Year 2025. The campaign calls for global debt cancellation and fairer financial systems to support justice for low-income nations.
When: Friday, 16 May at 12pm AEST (Online webinar)
Register or sign the petition at caritas.org.au/debt
National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD): an annual event when primary school children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a community event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.
Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
Find a road safety week colouring page here.
Koori Curriculum’s 2025 National Reconciliation Week competition: To celebrate Reconciliation Week (27 May–2 June), Koori Curriculum invites early learning centres and primary schools to share a play-based experience inspired by the 2025 theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next.’
Submit a 300-word explanation and a photo of your experience to enter. The top 10 voted entries will go in the draw to win prizes including resource packs, subscriptions, and webinars.
When: Entries open from 5 May to 8 June (online)
Voting closes: 15 June
Winners announced: 16 June
Details and entry at kooricurriculum.com
Image 1: Pope Leo XIV during an audience with the media (May 12, 2025) (Courtesy Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar via Wikimedia Commons)
Image 2: The Facade of St. Peter's Basilica upon Leo XIV's first appearance (Wikimedia Commons)
Image 3: A Caritas Jerusalem worker amongst what remains of her community in Northern Gaza photo credit Caritas Jerusalem