STATEMENT FROM BISHOP THOMAS DOWD 

FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Bishop Thomas Dowd, offers the following statement at this time: 

It is with profound sadness that I learned Pope Francis passed away this Easter Monday morning. Just yesterday, he encountered pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square and offered them the special “urbi et orbi” blessing. How fitting that his final public act was to profess the Resurrection of Jesus, just before going to meet Jesus personally. 

I had the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis numerous times, where he always exhibited humility, kindness and a sense of humour - even accepting to let me take a selfie with him! During our gatherings with Pope Francis, he shared with us the secret to understanding his papacy, which can be summarized as “invite people to holiness, but first meet them where they are at”. After the meeting we had a chance to greet him one by one, and I made sure to express my thanks to him.

I invite the faithful throughout the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and all those who mourn his loss, to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May we honour his legacy by our commitment to be in solidarity with the poor and marginalized, striving toward Christian unity and furthering reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

The Holy Father has been called home to the Lord. May he rest in peace.