Central Alberta Catholics are joining those around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools officials issued a statement on his April 21 passing.
“We join Catholics across the globe in mourning the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis,” the school division said in Monday social media post.
Division officials asked for prayers for the repose of his soul.
“O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the soul of Francis, your servant. Offer unto the Eternal Father, by the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your most precious Blood which you shed for our redemption, together with your holy merits and infinite love. Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
The division has schools in Olds and Innisfail.
According to the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, of which central Alberta parishes belong, the Pope was admitted to hospital several months previous on Feb. 14 after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.
“Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Feb. 18. After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence to continue his recovery,” the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton noted in a Monday message to congregants about the death.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, Francis died at the age of 88 on April 21. He was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
“The people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton will never forget the visit of His Holiness to Edmonton and Canada July 24-29, 2022,” the archdiocese’s message said.
“The Pope’s visit provided a unique opportunity for him to listen and dialogue with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples of this land, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada.”
In the message, Archbishop Richard Smith, now the archbishop-elect of Vancouver, recalled accompanying a delegation of Indigenous representatives from Canada that went to Rome in March 2022 to meet with Pope Francis.
Four months later, Pope Francis came to Canada on his penitential pilgrimage to Canada to meet with Indigenous peoples on their own territory. The Holy Father made the trip even though he was in “constant pain” throughout the visit, Archbishop Smith said.
“Pope Francis wore his heart on his sleeve, even to the public, even before mass audiences. But to see him open his heart, open his mind to the Indigenous was really – I think – an example to us all,” Archbishop Smith recalled.
“It was a particular example to me as a bishop as to how we go forward in the Church in opening our hearts to those in need, those who are hurting in any way, those who are suffering and find new ways – suited to their situation – that they can hear the Gospel and find hope in it. As to legacy, I think will be remembered for that above all.
“So that legacy of, how would I put it, openness, receptivity, sensitivity to the needs of any who are suffering in any way – that’s the most important legacy and lasting the legacy the Pope will have for us.”
