The Venerable Canon Rod Bower

I just sent this to the Popes office. They will deal with Albanese. Your Holiness, Pope Leo XIV Apostolic Palace Vatican City Date: May 16, 2025 Subject: Request for Consideration of Excommunication of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Your Holiness, Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ and congratulations on your election as the Successor. As you assume the mantle of leadership for the universal Church, I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern regarding a matter that touches upon the integrity of the Catholic faith in public life. I bring to your attention the actions of the Honorable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia and a professed Catholic, who, during his recent swearing-in ceremony for his second term on May 13, 2025, chose to make a secular affirmation rather than swear an oath on the Holy Bible. This decision has sparked significant debate and distress among faithful Catholics in Australia and beyond, particularly given Mr. Albanese’s public identification with the Catholic Church and his recent expressions of faith, including his attendance at Mass and his tributes to the late Pope Francis. I believe that public figures who profess our faith bear a profound responsibility to uphold its teachings and symbols, especially in moments of solemn duty such as a swearing-in ceremony. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is a sacred instrument of truth and commitment. Mr. Albanese’s decision to forgo this tradition, while legally permissible, appears to many as a public rejection of the spiritual weight of his Catholic identity. This act, coupled with his stated preference for a secular affirmation to represent “people of every faith and no faith,” raises questions about his commitment to the Church’s teachings and his alignment with the principles he claims to uphold. Your Holiness, the Church has long taught that those who publicly contradict the faith or cause scandal among the faithful may warrant disciplinary measures, including excommunication, to protect the integrity of the Body of Christ. Canon 1364 of the Code of Canon Law notes that those who persist in actions contrary to the faith may face such consequences. Mr. Albanese’s choice, particularly in light of his prominent role and his prior emphasis on his Catholic upbringing, risks undermining the Church’s witness in Australia, a nation already grappling with secularism and declining religious observance. I humbly and respectfully request that Your Holiness consider initiating an investigation into Mr. Albanese’s actions and, if deemed appropriate, proceed with the canonical process for his excommunication. Such a measure would serve as a powerful reminder to Catholics in public office that their faith is not a private matter to be set aside for political expediency but a public witness to Christ and His Church. I acknowledge that this is a grave request, and I trust in Your Holiness’s wisdom and discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, to weigh this matter carefully. I also recognize Mr. Albanese’s stated intentions to represent all Australians and his personal reflections on his faith. However, the public nature of his decision demands a response that upholds the sanctity of the Church’s teachings and the expectations placed upon those who claim the Catholic name. Please be assured of my prayers for your pontificate and for the unity of the Church. I entrust this matter to your pastoral care and ask for your blessing upon all who seek to live faithfully in these challenging times. Yours in Christ, Rob Smith