‘Protector of the marginalized,’ Pope Francis remembered for compassion and reform

Local reaction to the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The flags are at half-mast outside St. Mary’s Parish in Barrie on Monday following news of Pope Francis’ death.

“Pope Francis was a great protector of the marginalized - those on the margins of society, those who were on the periphery,” said St. Mary’s pastor, Father Larry Leger.

St. Mary’s held a mass Monday morning, leaving the doors open to anyone wishing to stop in and pay their respects.

“I think he was very good for the church and brought it into the 21st century,” said Barrie resident Christopher Paolozzi.

Pope Francis made his last public appearance Easter Sunday, just one day before the Vatican announced the pontiff’s death. He was 88.

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Francis suffered chronic lung disease and was admitted to the hospital in late February, spending nearly 40 days being treated.

The Argentinian-born pope held his position for 12 years and died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, his death certificate revealed.

In Midland, the Martyrs’ Shrine is preparing to mourn and honour Pope Francis. While there are no plans for a ceremony this week, staff and parishioners are remembering a pontiff they say brought goodness to the world.

“The news of the death of this pope is not just the death of this pope, but it’s also the death of a brother because he was a member of the Jesuit order, and we are a Jesuit community here in Midland,” said Father John O’Brien, director at Martyrs’ Shrine.

Due to Easter, the Martyrs’ Shrine will not hold a mass for the dead for eight days, but plans are to hold a memorial mass for the public sometime next week, with details released shortly.