Prince Albert bishop grateful for Pope’s leadership
The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert remembered Pope Francis as a leader who urged Catholics commit themselves to Christian unity, evangelization, solidarity with the poor, and caring for the earth in a letter following the Pope’s death on Easter Monday.
Bishop Stephen Hero wrote that the Church would begin a nine day morning period following the Pope’s death. Hero wrote that the news was a “profound moment of grief” for members of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert and the Church around the world.
“I will never forget the penitential pilgrimage of Pope Francis to Canada in 2022 when he met with the Indigenous Peoples of this land,” Hero wrote. “Despite his painful mobility issues at that point, it was clear that he wanted to support us and, even more, join us as a good shepherd on the journey of healing and reconciliation.”
Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. in his apartment in the Vatican City at the age of 88. In a press release, the Vatican’s Director of Health and Hygiene Andrea Arcangeli wrote that the Pope died of a stroke and “irreversible cardiovascular collapse.”
In his letter, Hero wrote that there were signs the Pope’s health was failing, but continued to serve to the best of his ability.
“It was a special joy to see Pope Francis appear on the balcony over St. Peter’s square on Easter Sunday and give a final blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world),” Hero wrote. “It was clear that the Holy Father was still in fragile health, but that he wanted, as best he could, to be visible and present to all who are celebrating the joy of Christ’s Resurrection.”
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian immigrant parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. He was originally trained as a chemical technician before studying the humanities, philosophy, and theology.
He was ordained a priest in December 1969 and made his final profession with the Jesuits in 1973. He was appointed Bishop of Auca in 1992, and became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He became a cardinal three years later, and was elected Pope in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Pope from the Americas.
Hero wrote that the years since 2013 have been eventful ones, and that he was grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership.
Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica. His body will lie in state until then.
The papal conclave will meet anywhere from 15 to 20 days after a Pope’s death or resignation to choose a successor.
@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca
