‘Humanity and humility’: B.C. leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Political leaders of all stripes offered condolences and paid tribute after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

Leaders in B.C. are adding their voices to the chorus of tributes following the death of Pope Francis.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at his home in Vatican City of a stroke early Monday morning. He was 88.

Premier David Eby, in a statement, offered his condolences to Catholics in B.C. and beyond.

“A spiritual leader to over a billion people across the globe, he will always be remembered for his humanity and humility,” he wrote.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoed Eby’s description of the pontiff –highlighting the qualities of a man widely referred to as the “people’s Pope” in a statement posted online.

“His leadership was marked by compassion, humility, and a powerful commitment to serving others - values that touched lives far beyond the Catholic Church. My thoughts are with all those in Vancouver and around the world who are mourning his loss,” Sim wrote.

Conservative Leader John Rustad took a more overtly religious tone in his statement.

“Pope Francis’ devotion to faith, service, and the teachings of Christ left a mark on billions of Christians and non-Christians worldwide. May he find eternal peace in the presence of our Lord,” Rustad wrote.

Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller, penned a tribute, expressing “great sorrow” after learning of the Pope’s death.

“Pope Francis was a tireless shepherd of the church, a beacon of hope, and a champion of the gospel,” Miller wrote.

“His deep love for the poor, unwavering commitment to peace, and bold witness to Christ’s message of love and reconciliation have inspired millions of people everywhere.”

Miller also said a memorial mass will be held at Holy Rosary Cathedral at a later date.

• Read more: Pope Francis, the pontiff who delivered an historic apology to Canada’s Indigenous, dies at 88

Pope Francis’ visited Canada in 2022 on what was called a “penitential pilgrimage” during which he delivered an apology for the abuses perpetrated in Catholic-run residential schools.

The apology came after decades of advocacy by Indigenous leaders, and seven years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for a papal apology on Canadian soil.

Pope Francis did not travel to British Columbia in 2022 despite the urging of First Nations leaders who called upon the pontiff to visit site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School where the discovery of potential unmarked graves in 2021 reignited a reckoning with the rampant abuse, cultural genocide and brutal legacy of the institutions.