Australian leaders pause campaigning after death of Pope Francis

Australia’s major political parties paused campaigning on Tuesday following the death of Pope Francis, with leaders paying tribute to the late pontiff as early voting opens in the May 3 federal election.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a morning mass at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, while opposition leader Peter Dutton said he would spend the day “reflecting” and added today was not the day for “big politicking,” broadcaster ABC reported.

According to news agency AAP, both leaders cancelled scheduled campaign events but will proceed with the third leaders’ debate on Tuesday night.

Albanese, a Catholic, called Pope Francis “one of the most significant of all the holy fathers,” praising his humility and focus on social justice. Flags on Commonwealth buildings would be lowered to half-mast in tribute on Tuesday, the government said.