April 21, 2025
The Canadian Council of Churches joins with Christians and churches in Canada and around the world in remembering the remarkable life, witness and leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome.
For The Canadian Council of Churches, the Pope’s championing of the practice of synodality, of walking together as Christians and churches, has inspired stronger relationships and become an important touchstone and direction for how we live and work together. As the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops The Most Reverend William T. McGrattan wrote, Pope Francis began by renewing the process and outcome [of working together] involving mutual listening and dialogue in which everyone has something to learn.
His openness, his commitment to reconciliation, the giftedness, sacredness and dignity of life and creation, his outspoken advocacy for refugees and migrants, and solidarity with the poor will long be remembered.
Globally, we join with Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, who writes that His papacy has been a great gift to the ecumenical movement, and he has been a dedicated collaborator in our efforts toward Christian unity and reconciliation and a prophetic voice for peace, the environment, and justice everywhere.
Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation adds, …as we mourn his death, we give thanks for his life and legacy of reform, renewal, unity, which opened doors of dialogue and brought the church closer to people from all walks of life.
Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches noted, Pope Francis was more than a leader—he was a witness. A witness to God’s inclusive love, to ecological justice, and to walking with the poor and the forgotten. He lived the Gospel in a way that resonated deeply with people of all traditions. His loss is felt around the world.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said that … he left behind an example of genuine humility and brotherly love… Eternal be your memory, Brother Pope Francis.
May his legacy of justice and his gift for walking together in truth and in love live on.
Rev. Amanda Currie
President
Pastor Peter Noteboom
General Secretary