Anthony Albanese is sworn in as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister

Australia's new leader, Anthony Albanese, a non-practicing Catholic, has been sworn in as the 31st prime minister. 

Mr Albanese is a 26-year member of the federal parliament.

His solemn oath of office was made in front of Governor-General David Hurley. He was raised by his single, pensioner mother, and who was Italian – Albanese.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference did not endorse any political party. During campaigning Mr Albanese had a private meeting with Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher and a called himself a "cultural Catholic".

In recent times, 59-year-old Albanese has also described himself as “half-Italian and half-Irish” and a “non-practicing Catholic”.

“My fellow Australians, it says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia’s prime minister,” he said.

“Every parent wants more for the next generation than they had. My mother dreamt of a better life for me. And I hope that my journey in life inspires Australians to reach for the stars.

“I want Australia to continue to be a country that no matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name is, that places no restrictions on your journey in life."

He defeated Scott Morrison to take the top position. 

Mr Albanese's late mother Maryanne, was Catholic, and his education included St Joseph’s Primary School and St Mary’s Cathedral College in Sydney.

 He was elected to federal parliament on his 33rd birthday.

Some Catholic organizations have welcomed Labor’s election victory, calling on the new government to deal with poverty and the elderly care crisis.

“With the election of Anthony Albanese as PM, the millions of Australians that understand what it is like to struggle, day in and day out, to put food on the table, to make sure their kids get a good education, to live safely in a house they can call a home now have a national leader with the very same lived experiences,” Catholic Social Services Australia chair Francis Sullivan said.

Sources: https://catholicleader.com.au/news/from-a-humble-start-albanese-is-sworn-in-as-new-prime-minister/ and Vatican News