Less than 24 hours after its appearance on Saint-Pierre square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis early Monday morning.
His 12 -year papacy was the most progressive in generations, while he defended poor blessings and approved homosexual marriages and appointed women to major roles in the Church.
Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Winnipeg, says that Francis led the Catholic church to become more welcoming for all.
“He would say that it is not a hotel for the saints, but a hospital for sinners,” explains Chatlain. “And this feeling of listening – he was really focused on being a people listened to, that we start by listening to those around us.”
The 88 -year -old pontiff had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia, but the Vatican said that he died of a stroke that led to an irreversible coma and heart failure.
Three years ago, Pope Francis presented historical apologies to Canada’s indigenous peoples for the role of the Church in the residential school system. The apology was followed by a visit to Canada later that year.
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In a statement, the president of the Métis federation of Manitoba, David Chartrand, said that this showed his “character and his integrity”.
“Despite the risks of exposure during the COVVI-19 pandemic, he made the exceptional decision to greet and shake hands with each member of our delegation,” explains Chartrand. “Each member has felt his true respect and left in feeling honored and recognized.”
Chatlain, who has spent many years as a Kewatatin-not chevêque in northern Manitoba and previously sat on the Council of Canadian Catholic Aboriginal people, added that the Pope’s visit meant a lot for his parishioners.
“That the Pope was determined to come and that he came very humbly, openly, honestly – I thought it was a very good example that really reminded us of everything we have to work on this reconciliation,” explains Chatlain.
Chatlain will hold a commemorative mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mary Cathedral.
In a declaration on X, Prime Minister Wab Kinew paid tribute to the Pope, saying: “We will remember his humility and his commitment to the service.
“Her apologies to indigenous peoples in Canada for the wrongs of the past have been an important step on the path of reconciliation and it was significant for many – including my own family.”
The mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham, also worked condolences to the Catholics crying the Pope.
“Pope Francis will remain memories for his warmth, accessibility and his sweet pastoral presence. In a world marked by the conflict, he was a strong voice for peace.”
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