On Saturday, April 26, 2025 I was honoured to have the opportunity to attend the funeral mass for His Holiness Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The Canadian delegation of about 35 people that was led by our Governor General, Mary Simon, included Canadian Senators, Indigenous Leaders, and a variety of others. I was invited to participate in my current role as President of The Canadian Council of Churches.
With Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, presiding, it was a simple and beautiful service that celebrated Pope Francis’ ministry, service, generosity, and humility, with particular emphasis on the twelve years that he served as the Bishop of Rome. Although most of the liturgy was spoken and sung in Latin, a booklet was provided with the Latin text and English translation so that we could participate fully in the prayer.
A particularly poignant moment in the service was the singing of the Litany of the Saints. As we joined the choir in singing the litany, asking all those before us to pray for us, I had a deep sense that Papa Francesco was praying for us all from heaven – for the Catholic Church, for the whole church, for the whole human family, for the whole of Creation. Though our world is in turmoil in so many ways at this time, we are in God’s hands, with the whole Communion of Saints interceding for us.
Following the service, the Canadian delegation gathered for a reception at the Residence of the Canadian Ambassador to the Holy See, Joyce Napier, where we had the opportunity to visit with each other and with some of the Canadian Cardinals.
It was a privilege for me to represent The Canadian Council of Churches at this important event and to carry the prayers and condolences of Canadian Christians to the Catholic community in their time of mourning. I hope that the CCC member churches will continue to pray with me for the Catholic Church in this time of transition. Let’s pray for Pope Francis’ successor, and for the Conclave beginning on May 7th that will discern together who that successor will be. May the Holy Spirit guide the Cardinal Electors to select the leader that God is calling for this time.
Rev. Amanda Currie
President
