Tributes flock from all over the world for the deceased by Pope Francis after his death, the leaders of the world remembering him as a voice of “moral clarity, spiritual courage and unlimited compassion”.
Liberal chief Mark Carney began his campaign event on Prince Edward Island with a tribute to the late Pontiff.
“I want to talk about someone who has just passed and who deeply touched the lives of billions. Pope Francis was a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage and unlimited compassion. It was, in many ways, the conscience of the world, never hesitating to challenge the powerful in the name of the vulnerable, “said Carney, who is Catholic.
“During his papal visit to Canada in 2022, his apologies on residential schools were a crucial step to advance the church in his journey to significant reconciliation.”
Governor-General Mary Simon, in a declaration, remembered the pope as “a headlight of hope and compassion, disseminating messages of peace, love and understanding around the world”.
Simon said he had an inheritance “of humility, social justice and environmental stewardship”.
Simon, the first indigenous first person to serve as Governor General of Canada, said in 2022 to the survivors of residential schools.
“This testified to his commitment to respect, dialogue and collaboration through cultures and confessions – the values he held dear throughout his papacy. May his soul rest in peace, and that his teachings continue to inspire us to build a better world for everyone, ”she said.
The conservative chief Pierre Hairy also remembered the Pope’s visit to Canada when he presented his condolences to Catholics around the world.
“We remember in particular his historic” penitential pilgrimage “in Canada, when he sought to start a process of reconciliation by the Church with his apologies’ for evil committed by so many Christians against Aboriginal peoples’ ‘, said Hairy in a statement.
“We join the grateful prayer with the Catholic faithful for his inheritance of humble service and her message of love which will continue to inspire a world that needs hope.”
The leader of the NPD, Jagmeet Singh, said that the Pope’s life was an example that will not be forgotten.
“Pope Francis has shown the world that faith can be a force for justice. He has clearly talked about poverty, inequalities and the climate crisis,” he said.
Singh recalled that he had attended the papal apology for survivors of residential schools in 2022.
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“I attended his visit in 2022 where he apologized for the role of the Catholic Church in residential schools. For many survivors, these excuses were not enough. For others, it was a step towards the recognition of the damage and the trauma they suffered,” he said.
The chief of the Bloc Québécois Yves-François Blanchet presented condolences to all Quebecers who identify themselves as Catholics and Christians.
“May you live this moment in serenity,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is also an exercise Catholic, said: “What inspired me the most and personally helped me to cross our conversations is how as a Jesuit, he demonstrated that real rational thought finds his highest expression in compassion and in service to all of God’s creation.”
Trudeau added: “The heritage he left here in Canada, including his work on reconciliation, will continue to inspire Canadians forever. This brilliance of heart marked the life and leadership of Francis. ”
What do world leaders say?
In a press release on Monday morning, King Charles III said that the Pope will remain memories for his “tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith and those of the goodwill who work for the benefit of others”.
“The queen and I remember with a particular affection of our meetings with her holiness over the years and we have been highly moved for having been able to visit her earlier in the month. We send our most sincere people and a deep sympathy to the church that he served with such a resolution and to countless people in the world who, inspired by his life, said the king.
Javier Milei, president of the country of origin of the Pope in Argentina, said: “As president, as a Argentinian, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I make goodbye to the Holy Father and I stand with all of us who deal with this sad news today.”
US vice-president JD Vance, who met the pope a few hours before his death, said: “I just learned of Pope Francis. My heart goes to millions of Christians around the world who loved him. ”
The White House had a tribute to a single line on its official X account.
“Rest in peace, Pope Francis,” said the White House.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said: “Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, oppressed and forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians all over the world in the face of war, famine, persecution and poverty. ”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with each other and with nature. That this hope is constantly rebounded up. ”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Pope’s life was “devoted to God, people and church”.
“He knew how to give hope, facilitate suffering by prayer and promote unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We cry with the Catholics and all the Christians who have turned to Pope Francis for spiritual support. Eternal memory! ” Zelenskyy said.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said: “Today, the world is crying for the death of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and his love so pure for the less wealthy. My thoughts are with all those who feel this deep loss. ”
Former American presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also shared their tributes in statements.
“He was different from those who had preceded him. Pope Francis will remain memories as one of the most consecutive leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,” said Biden, Catholic in practice.
“As a pope, he was a loving pastor and a difficult teacher who held out to different confessions. He ordered us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He pleaded for the voiceless and helpless. He made he feel well received and seen by the Church”, added Biden, calling him a “pope for everyone”.
Obama said: “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures that are both simple and deep – embracing the sick, serving to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shaken us with our complacency and reminded us that we are all linked by moral obligations to God and another. “
Pope Francis, defender of the rights of migrants and refugees from around the world, has also received tributes from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
“You got up and you spoke – tirelessly – for the poor, the persecuted, the victims of the war, the refugees, the migrants. May you continue to give us faith and courage in this brutal world,” said big.
