Canada, global leaders remember Pope Francis as the “conscience of the world” – National
The tribute poured in from all over the world just hours after Francis’ death, and world leaders remembered him as “a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage and infinite compassion.”
Liberal leader Mark Carney started his campaign on Prince Edward Island and paid tribute to the late pope.
“I want to say a man who has just passed and deeply moved the lives of billions of people. Pope Francis is a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage and infinite compassion. In many ways, he is the conscience of the world, challenging the powerful, easy-to-attack, without hesitation,” said Carney, a practice Carney.
“During his 2022 visit to Canada’s Pope, his apology to residential schools is a crucial step forward in moving the church into a meaningful journey of reconciliation.”
Governor Mary Simon remembered the Pope in a statement “a beacon of hope and compassion, spreading a message of peace, love and understanding throughout the world.”
Simon said he has a legacy of “humility, social justice and environmental management.”
Simon, the first Indigenous to serve as Governor of Canada, recalls his 2022 apology to survivors of residential schools.
“This proves his commitment to respect, dialogue and cooperation across cultures and faiths, which he cherishes throughout the pope. 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 also recalled the Pope's visit to Canada as he expressed his condolences to Catholics around the world.
“We especially remember his historic 'repentance pilgrimage to Canada,” Poilievre said in a statement. “When he tried to start the church reconciliation process with an apology.”
“We join Catholic believers in thanking him for his humble service and his message of love, which will continue to inspire a world in need of hope.”
New Democratic leader Jagmeet Singh said the pope's life is a role model that will not be forgotten.
“Pope Francis showed the world that faith can be a power of justice. He spoke clearly about poverty, inequality and climate crisis,” he said.
Singh recalls holding a pope apology for residential school survivors in 2022.
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“I attended his visit in 2022, where he apologized for the role of the Catholic Church in the Residential School. For many survivors, this apology is not enough. For others, it is a step to acknowledging the hurt and trauma they have suffered.”
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet expressed condolences to all Quebecs who are identified as Catholic and Christian.
He said, “May you be at peace at this moment.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also a practice Catholic, said: “What inspired me the most and helped me personally through our conversation is his way of being a Jesuit, and he shows that true rational thought is the highest expression in compassion and service to all God-created.”
Trudeau added: “The legacy he left in Canada, including his work of reconciliation, will continue to inspire Canadians forever. The brilliance of hearts marks Francis' life and leadership.”
What are the world leaders talking about?
King Charles III said in a statement Monday morning that the Pope would be for his “relative commitment to the common cause of all faiths and for the common cause of goodwill people who benefit others with goodwill.”
“Over the years, the Queen and I remember in particular our holy meetings, and we were greatly moved by visiting him earlier this month. Our inspiration to the church he serves and the countless people around the world, our inspiration to his life, our inspiration to his life, our inspiration to his faithful Jesus Christ, our inspiration to mourn the fanatical welfare of this faithful Jesus Christ, our incredible defeat, our tribute to his life and to the countless people around the world.
Javier Milei, President of the Pope's homeland, said: “As president, as an Argentine, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Father and stand with all of us who are dealing with this sad news.”
Vice President JD Vance met the Pope a few hours before his death, saying, “I just learned about the death of Pope Francis. My heart pays tribute to millions of Christians around the world who love him.”
The White House received a one-line tribute on its official X account.
“Rest in peace, Pope Francis,” the White House said.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said: “Pope Francis is the pope of the poor, oppressed and forgotten poor. He approaches the fragile reality of humanity, meeting Christians around the world in war, famine, persecution and poverty.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis hopes that the church brings joy and hope to the poorest. Combine people with one another and nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the pope's life was “dedicated to God, the people and the church.”
“He knows how to give hope through prayer, relieve suffering and raise unity. He prays for peace among Ukraine and Ukrainians. We grieve with Catholics and all Christians who seek spiritual support from Pope Francis. Eternal memory!” said Zelenskyy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today, the world mourns the death of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, and his humility and love are so pure, it is so unfortunate.
Former U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama also shared their tribute in their statements.
“He is different from anyone. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most important leaders of our time, and I am better at knowing him.”
“As the Pope, he is a loving pastor and challenging teacher, he extends a different faith. He commands us to fight for peace and protect our planet from the climate crisis. He advocates silent and powerlessness. He makes everyone welcome and welcome by the church,” Biden added, “he calls him “everyone.”
“Pope Francis is a rare leader, making us want to be better people. His humility and his gestures are instantly simple and profound – embracing the sick, serving the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – He lifts us from complacency and reminds us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and each other.”
Pope Francis, an advocate for immigration and refugee rights around the world, has also received a tribute from the High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, the United Nations refugee.
Grandi said: “You stand up and speak up unremittingly – for the poor, the persecutors, the victims of war, refugees, immigrants.
