The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is mourning the loss of Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday, April 21, in Rome at the age of 88.
Bishop of Calgary, William McGrattan, said the loss is keenly felt by not only the CCCB, but by all Alberta Catholics.
"There's a sense of grieving, of sorrow," McGrattan said. "But then, now that I'm reflecting on what [Pope Francis'] legacy is, what are the things he offered the church in his leadership over the 12 years."
McGrattan describes Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday as a sign of "God's providential hand, offering a gift to those who are united with Him in faith."
"I think it truly was a gift in some ways that he would be taken to the Lord on this Easter celebration, and that he was able to be present to people on Easter, and to deliver a message of peace," he said.
Locally, the parishes have been instructed that the following nine days are for mourning. Pope Francis' funeral will take place on April 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. CEST in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, which McGrattan will be attending in-person.
Many Catholic churches have a picture of Pope Francis, and local Catholics have been coming to offer prayers for the repose of Pope Francis' soul since his death was announced earlier this week.
"Next week, we will be instructing our parishes to offer a mass for the dead, which is normally done for any Christian and any family who have lost a loved one," McGrattan shared. "[On April 28], I'll be celebrating at St. Mary's Cathedral for the whole Diocese of Calgary."
As the President of CCCB, McGrattan has had frequent opportunities to be in Pope's presence over the years; therefore, McGrattan came to view him as a "brother bishop," and was really encouraged by his stamina and perseverance despite all the well-documented health challenges over the years. McGrattan was in awe of Pope Francis' ministry and travel schedule.
"It often stuck with me that his heart and his faith were very much evident even in his physical challenges in terms of his own role as the Holy Father in the last number of years," he shared.
In fact, McGrattan usually visited the Pope bearing a uniquely Canadian gift to the pontiff's particular liking—Maple Syrup.
"He does love maple syrup, so we always make a point of getting a jar of it and offering that as a gift when we visit him in Rome," McGrattan shared. "So, he always looked forward to receiving that."
McGrattan acknowledges that Pope Francis has made meaningful contributions, and he notes that many of the faithful recognize and appreciate them as well.
"For most Popes, there has been a sense that they have a desire to support young people; I know Pope Francis had a great heart for the young," he shared.
McGrattan also notes that Pope Francis recognized the need for the Church to be actively present, and he intentionally chose symbolic moments to reflect the Gospel’s call to be close to and supportive of those who are marginalized.
McGrattan recalls Pope Francis' penitential pilgrimage to Canada on July 24, 2022, as a reflection of his contribution here locally. He was in Alberta at the site of the former Ermineskin Residential School in Maskwacis, Alberta, on July 25, 2022.
He was also involved in planning Francis' pilgrimage here in Canada, McGrattan shared.
"I was present there when he offered those words of apology for the church's role and the legacy of residential schools," McGrattan recalled
"I also think that he was very close to those individuals that he met during that penitential pilgrimage, many of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis brothers and sisters," he added.
McGrattan is also encouraging people to pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance upon those that are tasked with the responsibility of choosing the next Pope, he who will succeed Francis as the new Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church.
