Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday

Sad news out of the Vatican today.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 after an illness.

He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis, and his condition worsened from there.

In a statement, the Vatican says he passed away on Easter Monday at his residence.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, stated on social media.

“Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and compassion, spreading messages of peace, love and understanding throughout the world. His legacy of humility, social justice and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on humanity.”

Mary Simon, the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada released a statement on the pope’s passing.

Simon states, “I remember when Whit and I met Pope Francis during his visit to Canada in 2022, where he delivered an apology for members of the Catholic Church who co-operated with the devastating abuse of Indigenous children at residential schools. It was a testament to his commitment to respect, dialogue and collaboration across cultures and faiths—values he held dear throughout his papacy.”

She adds, “May his soul rest in peace, and may his teachings continue to inspire us to build a better world for all.”

Canada’s federal leaders reflected on the Pope’s passing on the election campaign.

Speaking in Prince Edward Island, Liberal leader Mark Carney called Pope Francis “a voice of moral clarify, spiritual courage and boundless compassion,” and also reflected back on the Pope’s visit to Canada.

“During his papal visit to Canada in 2022, his apology on residential schools was a crucial step in moving the Church forward in its journey towards meaningful reconciliation,” says Carney.

Campaigning in British Columbia, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also reflected on the Pope’s visit to Canada while offering his condolences.

“It was a very powerful moment for many of the leaders that I met, many of the community members who talked about how hearing that apology from the Pope made them feel like they were taking a step forward on their healing journey,” says Singh.

“I think only someone like Pope Francis was able and capable of making that commitment and fulfilling that apology.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spoke of the Pope’s passing while in Ottawa.

“His role is of course at the centre of the Catholic Church and there have been countless millions of Catholics and non-Catholics that have been inspired by his leadership in faith and other domains,” says Poilievre.

“And our prayers are with all Catholics as they lay to rest the head of the Catholic Church. We are in solidarity in remembering him and honouring his contributions.”