Catholic priest Father Bob Maguire dies aged 88

Father Bob was parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul's Church in South Melbourne from 1973 to 2012.

He launched the Father Bob Maguire Foundation in 2003, as a "loud and passionate advocate for the voiceless and forgotten".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Father Bob on social media.

"With the passing of Father Bob, we have lost a great Australian," he said.

"An irrepressibly cheerful champion for all those battling disadvantage, he dedicated his life to brightening the lives of those most in need.

"A man of warmth and faith who faced struggles with a cheeky grin. May he rest in peace."

In a statement, Father Bob's family said he would be "sorely missed"

"Fr Bob was not just a much loved family member but was loved by all Australians for what he stood for.

"He has fought bravely for the underprivileged and homeless all his life."

His family said his physical and mental health had been deteriorating for some time.

"His preference was always to help others rather than consider his own situation," the statement said.

"The last few months have been very difficult for both the family and for those around Fr Bob as we managed his declining health."

Friends and admirers of Father Bob flooded social media with memories and tributes to the "people's priest".

NSW Premier Chris Minns tweeted the "nation has just lost a hero".

"The people's priest. A social justice warrior. And a man who dedicated his life to faith and standing up for those most vulnerable," he said.

Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari tweeted that Father Bob was a "man who always stood with us".

"You'd see him at picket lines, protests [and] community actions preaching the good word the way it was meant to be done. He goes with all of our love and solidarity."

Father Bob was born in Melbourne in 1934.

He was ordained in 1960 aged 25, after studying theology and training for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College in Melbourne.

He served in the Australian Army Reserve, training young officers during the Vietnam War era.

In 1989, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to homeless youth.

He was named Victorian of the Year in 2011 and received a Victorian Senior of the Year Ageing Well Award in 2022.

It recognised "his commitment to supporting people experiencing disadvantage and homelessness".

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"Father Bob is known for his kindness and generosity, always making himself available to share a meal, start a conversation and be a friend to all."

On April 14, it was announced Father Bob had stepped down from his role as Chairman of the foundation.