Australian Catholics have gathered to commemorate the life of Pope Francis at the first local services since his funeral, remembering him as a beacon of light for a world shrouded in darkness.
The funeral for Pope Francis was held at the Vatican in Rome on Saturday, attended by some 250,000 people including world leaders and royals.
On Sunday, churches across Australia held special masses in honour of the late Holy Father.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta, led by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, held a solemn mass for the repose of the Pope's soul.
As parishioners gathered, they could not help but feel a sense of great grief, sadness and uncertainty at the loss of Pope Francis, Bishop Long said in his homily.
"He has been an unexpected gift from God for the church and the world," he said.
"He has shone as a beacon of light for a world shrouded in the darkness of war, violence, hatred, oppression and dehumanisation."
As a former refugee who arrived in Australia from Vietnam by boat in 1981, Bishop Long reflected on Pope Francis' constant concern for migrants and refugees.
"He was the voice of compassion, the champion of human dignity and the embodiment of God's boundless mercy," Bishop Long said.
A memorial mass for Pope Francis was also celebrated at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Adelaide.
Archbishop Patrick O'Regan thanked the Pope for being someone who "kissed the leper, washed the feet of prisoners, welcomed migrants and loved the church even when she failed".
"He was a voice for the voiceless and a bridge builder across cultures, religions and ideologies," Archbishop O'Regan said.
"We honour a man who dared to lead not with fear but with hope."
Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli will lead the celebration of a Solemn Pontifical Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
A conclave to elect the new pope is expected to start in Rome in 10 days' time.