ABSTRACT
The formation of a traditional Catholic identity in Australia had its early beginnings in the religious convictions of Irish convicts. An Irish Catholic identity was hard-won during early settlement. When Irish Catholics were eventually allowed to practice their religion, the British placed them under the jurisdiction of a Catholic bishop who was English. A traditional Catholic identity was forged in sectarianism. This polarizing force was an early feature of Australian society and reflected the political animosity between the British and Irish. The largely Anglo-Protestant majority, who aligned themselves with the British Empire, questioned the loyalty of Catholics who were of Irish descent. Pope John Paul made the restoration of a traditional Catholic identity evident especially in the way he favoured conservative believers. The papal policy of restoring a traditional Catholic identity became more pervasive with the increasing numbers of appointments of conservative bishops and priests who were encouraged and supported by conservative laity.
