Federal leaders remember Pope Francis as humble pontiff who moved reconciliation forward

Canada's political leaders are remembering Pope Francis as a humble leader with a deep moral obligation and the spiritual courage to help the world's most vulnerable.

"Today, the world lost a man who profoundly touched the lives of billions of people," Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a campaign stop in Charlottetown on Monday.

"Pope Francis was a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage and boundless compassion," Carney added. "He was, in many respects, the conscience of the world, and he never hesitated to challenge the strongest on behalf of the most vulnerable."

Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, the Vatican said in a video statement. He was 88.

His 12-year papacy ushered in a more open, welcoming Catholic Church that prioritized empathy for the poor and disenfranchised — including Indigenous victims of Canada's church-run residential schools.

"During his papal visit to Canada in 2022, his apology on residential schools was a crucial step in moving the church forward in its journey towards meaningful reconciliation," Carney added.

In July 2022, Francis made what he called a "penitential pilgrimage" to Canada, visiting Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit, where he emphasized reconciliation and apologized for members of the Catholic Church who co-operated with the government's "devastating" policy of Indigenous residential schools.

He said his apology was only the first step in making amends with Indigenous people in Canada, and that a serious investigation must be conducted into the facts of what occurred in the past.

"Pope Francis, he apologized to our people. There was strong resistance to an apology. But he did it anyways," Assembly of First Nations chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said in post on Facebook.

"I thank him for that and for his life's work here on earth," she added. "May he rest in peace."

In a statement, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said she and her husband Whit Fraser were both "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis."

"His legacy of humility, social justice and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on humanity," she said.

Simon said Francis's visit to Canada in 2022 "was a testament to his commitment to respect, dialogue and collaboration across cultures and faiths — values he held dear throughout his papacy.

"May his soul rest in peace, and may his teachings continue to inspire us to build a better world for all."

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Pope Francis's "humility, compassion, and steadfast faith had a profound impact on millions of Canadians and others around the world from every faith background."

Poilievre also singled out Francis's efforts during his 2022 visit toward reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous peoples and said his "humble service and his message of love" will "continue to inspire a world in need of hope."

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued a statement saying Pope Francis "showed the world that faith can be a powerful force for justice."

"He spoke plainly about poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis — and he challenged political and economic leaders to put people before profits," Singh said.

"He didn't just preach humility and compassion — he lived it. And in doing so, he earned the respect of millions, including many far beyond the Catholic Church."

Singh called Pope Francis's apology to residential school survivors in 2022 a meaningful step "toward truth and accountability"

"His passing is a loss for all who believe in dignity, fairness, and care for one another. His example will not be forgotten," Singh said.

Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet also expressed his sympathies in a post on X.

"I extend my condolences to the Quebecers of Christian and Catholic faith who are attached to the institution and person of the Pope," he said. "May you experience this moment in serenity."

Carney said he has taken guidance from a story Pope Francis shared in 2014 in which the pontiff compared humanity to wine — "rich, diverse, full of spirit" — and the market to grappa — "distilled, intense, and at times disconnected."

"He reminded us that markets don't have values, people do, and it is our responsibility to close the gap, to turn that grappa back into wine," Carney added. "I join all Catholics in reflecting on his passing and commit myself to fulfilling his challenge."