Bishop Offers Condolences on Death of Pope Francis

On Easter Monday, April 21, the world awoke to the news that the spiritual leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome, died at the age of 88.

Remembered as the "people's Pope," he was known for his profound love and care for the poor and the marginalized and his works of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. In a message reflecting on the pope's life, Archbishop Anne Germond, acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, reflected that "in a world that is often divided, Pope Francis was a bridge-builder. In times of sorrow, his words offered strength and comfort."

In reflecting on his spiritual leadership and pontificate, Bishop Susan Bell pointed to the Holy Father's invitation to "pray for me," which would become a signature phrase in his addresses. "This request was to be a defining feature of the Pope’s ministry: marked by humility and provocation in equal measure," she says. "He was a man whose vision for the Church was a church amongst the people, focused on service and humility: a church for the poor."

Bishop Susan Bell has written a letter of condolence to the Roman Catholic bishops of Hamilton and St. Catharines, whose dioceses overlap with the Diocese of Niagara.

Bishop Anthony Poggo, the secretary-general of the Anglican Communion, also released a message of condolence saying, "The late Pope’s unwavering dedication to the plight of the poor, the refugee and the vulnerable has been an inspiration to us all. His calls for global solidarity, for the protection of our common home and for the pursuit of peace have resonated deeply within the hearts of people across continents and cultures."

The Bishop invites prayer for the late Pope in the lead up to his funeral service on Saturday, and especially for our siblings in Christ who mourn the death of their spiritual leader. "May God who inspired him uphold and comfort the faithful today and in the days to come."