'A great Australian.' Father Bob Maguire has passed away, aged 88.

Father Bob Maguire has died aged 88.

His family confirmed the charity campaigner passed away in hospital on Wednesday morning.

"Fr Bob was a dear and much-loved member of our family and will be sorely missed for his energy and good humour," the Maguire family said in a statement.

"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. He represented the highest of principles, and he fought to actively live those principles."

The self-described larrikin dedicated his life to charitable works and had a reputation as a candid commentator who was unafraid to speak his mind or call out church leaders.

Watch Father Bob Maguire speaks about the key to happiness. Post continues below.

The Catholic priest became known for his work with disadvantaged people in his South Melbourne parish, before regularly appearing in national media. 

He was ordained in Melbourne at the age of 25 and was a chaplain for conscripted Australian soldiers heading to Vietnam for several years. Fr Maguire was then appointed to the parish of Saints Peter and Paul's in South Melbourne in 1973, where he stayed for the next 39 years.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for services to youth homelessness and went on to collect other accolades including Victorian of the Year in 2011 and Victorian Senior of the Year in 2022.

Fr Maguire co-founded national homeless youth organisation Open Family Australia in 1978 and later conducted his charity work through the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.

It offers vulnerable people in Melbourne's inner southeast free meals, education programs, advocacy services and other outreach programs.

Reflecting on the need to look after our homeless community, he said: "We need money to continue to help feed people ... more people need more tucker. A lot of people are sleeping out, and a lot of women are sleeping out who need to be safe."

He first worked with broadcaster John Safran in 2004 on SBS's John Safran vs God, with the duo going on to host radio programs on ABC's Triple J for a decade. The pair were often referred to as an odd couple and covered many topics including religion, culture and politics with a side of irony and humour.

Fr Maguire was first asked to resign at the age of 75 under canon law but managed to stay on for another two years, even after a public spat with then-Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart over finances.

He performed his last service to a packed crowd of more than 1000 people in 2012. Fr Maguire was also never afraid to wade into political discussions and in December 2022 told AAP far greater action was needed on the "national disaster" of homelessness.

On April 14, 2023, the foundation advised that Fr Maguire had stepped down as chairman and board member. It came after a deterioration in his physical and mental health. The family has said they will make funeral arrangements in due course.

In the wake of the news that Fr Maguire has died, countless Australian icons, politicians and public figures have extended their condolences.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Fr Maguire was "an irrepressibly cheerful champion for all those battling disadvantages, he dedicated his life to brightening the lives of those most in need".

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

An irrepressibly cheerful champion for all those battling disadvantage, he dedicated his life to brightening the lives of those most in need. pic.twitter.com/w9wQFQVkTk

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 19, 2023

Our 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.

Vale Father Bob Maguire. pic.twitter.com/85v02MeJJI

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) April 19, 2023

Vale #FatherBob. A favourite in my family and a special favourite with my late Mum. RIP old digger. I hope your rewards are sweet. https://t.co/2EPy5Hren3

— Hugh Riminton (@hughriminton) April 19, 2023

I’m so sad to hear of the passing of @FatherBob. What a beautiful man, a beautiful soul, and vital advocate for those in need. His compassion was immense. Rest well, Father Bob.

‘Father Bob Maguire, Melbourne priest loved by the poor but not by the Catholic hierarchy – obituary’…

— Tara Moss (@Tara_Moss) April 19, 2023

Very sad to hear of the passing of Father Bob. He connected with and helped countless people. Was always the funniest person in the room. And cared deeply for all. What a loss, and what a legacy. My thoughts with those close to him.

Rest in peace, Bob. xhttps://t.co/eMZoIyctGU

— Zan Rowe (@zanrowe) April 19, 2023

For Fr Maguire, he had in recent years appeared on ABC's Anh's Brush With Fame.

In the interview, he said that the key to happiness for him, came down to one major factor.

"You've got to make the best of what you've got. Helping other people to be happy is the key to happiness. 'I am because you are'. It's community," he said.

"Don't curse the darkness. Light a candle."

With AAP.

Feature Image: AAP.