Vale Archbishop Francis Carroll

 14 March, 2024

Archbishop Francis ‘Frank’ Carroll: A Life Remembered

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Archbishop Francis Carroll, a beloved figure within the Catholic Church and the local community at large. Archbishop Carroll, affectionately known as Father Frank, passed away peacefully this morning at Calvary Hospital. His passing marks the end of an era for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, the diocese of Wagga Wagga and the broader Church in Australia.

Archbishop Carroll’s health had been in decline since undergoing a serious operation at Wagga Base Hospital last week. He was transferred to Calvary Hospital Wagga Wagga where he received excellent end of life care. While Archbishop Frank’s absence from public life may have led him to slip from the forefront of people’s minds, his impact on the diocese and beyond remains indelible.

Born in 1930 to the Carroll family in Ganmain, Archbishop Frank’s life was deeply intertwined with the Catholic faith and the local community. Totally immersed in the faith life of the parish, his schooling, family and the football life of the local community, he remained very much a Ganmain man.

Ordained as a priest in 1954, he served in various capacities, including as the first Director of Catholic Education in the Wagga Wagga Diocese.

At the age of 37, Archbishop Carroll was ordained as coadjutor bishop for Bishop Henschke, later assuming the role of Bishop of Wagga Wagga. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a commitment to innovation in pastoral care, seeking new ways to engage with societal changes without compromising the essence of Catholic tradition.

In 1983, he was appointed Archbishop of the Canberra and Goulburn Diocese, where he continued to lead with wisdom and compassion until his retirement in 2006. Even in retirement, Archbishop Frank remained an active presence, residing at the Home of Compassion in his final years.

Archbishop Carroll’s legacy extends far beyond his tenure in office. His pastoral letters, written during his time in Wagga and Canberra, continue to resonate today, a testament to his enduring influence and insight.

As we mourn the loss of Archbishop Francis Carroll, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Catholic community during this time of grief.