Lower than 24 hours after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis early Monday morning.
His 12-year papacy was probably the most progressive in generations, as he championed the poor, approved blessings of same-sex marriages, and appointed women to major roles within the church.
Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Winnipeg, says Francis led the Catholic Church to turn out to be more welcoming for all.
“He would say it’s not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners,” says Chatlain. “And that sense of listening — he really was focused on us being a listening people, that we start by listening to those around us.”
The 88-year-old pontiff had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia, however the Vatican says he died of a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Three years ago, Pope Francis made a historic apology to Canada’s Indigenous peoples for the church’s role within the residential school system. The apology was followed by a visit to Canada later that 12 months.
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In a press release, Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand says that showed his “character and integrity”.
“Despite the risks of exposure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the exceptional decision to greet and shake hands with each member of our delegation,” says Chartrand. “Every member felt his true respect and left feeling honoured and recognized.”
Chatlain, who spent a few years because the Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas in northern Manitoba and previously served on the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, adds the Pope’s visit meant rather a lot to his parishioners.
“That the pope was determined to come back, and that he got here very humbly, openly, truthfully — I believed that was a extremely beautiful example that basically reminded us all that we’ve to work on this reconciliation,” says Chatlain.
Chatlain will hold a memorial mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
In a press release on X, Premier Wab Kinew paid tribute to the Pope, saying, “He might be remembered for his humility and his commitment to service.
“His apology to Indigenous peoples in Canada for the wrongs of the past was a very important step on the trail of reconciliation and it was meaningful to many — including my family.”
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also prolonged condolences to Catholics mourning the Pope.
“Pope Francis might be remembered for his warmth, approachability, and mild pastoral presence. In a world scarred by conflict, he was a robust voice for peace.”
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