B.C.'s Catholic community remembers Pope Francis as open-minded 'man of presence'

Catholics in British Columbia and around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican announced that the pontiff died early Easter Monday at the age of 88, more than two months after he was hospitalized for a respiratory infection.

Rev. Richard Smith, archbishop-designate of Vancouver, remembered Francis's 2022 visit to Canada when he apologized for the "deplorable" conduct of some members of the Catholic Church in Canada's residential school system. 

"Pope Francis wore his heart on his sleeve, even to the public, even before mass audiences," Smith said. "But to see him open his heart, open his mind to the Indigenous was really — I think —  an example to us all."

The apology drew mixed reaction in B.C. at the time with some saying they wanted him to denounce the Doctrine of Discovery, which gave the Catholic Church's blessing to proselytization and the acquisition of Indigenous lands in North America. The Catholic Church repudiated the doctrine several months later.

Jocelyne Robinson attended Easter mass on Monday at Vancouver's Holy Rosary Cathedral, where the congregation mourned the pope.

Robinson, who is Algonquin Anishnaabe, told the Canadian Press she believes the pope's apology and reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples means future dialogue on reconciliation will be infused with his legacy. 

"I certainly recognize that it's a courageous thing to do," she said. "And, he certainly had (done) a lot of positive things ... towards the end."

Matthew Furtado, director of communications for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, told CBC's The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn that Pope Francis's passing is particularly significant because of his travels around the world, including his trip to Canada. 

"Pope Francis was such a man of presence, of being with his people … even to come to Canada, he knew how much his physical presence here would have healing and impact on people," Furtado said.

In a message posted to X, B.C. Premier David Eby said Pope Francis will be remembered for his "humanity and humility."

"Our hearts today are with Catholics in B.C. and around the world as we learn of the passing of Pope Francis."

According to the Vatican, Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.

Furtado said the Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver will transition into a state of mourning. Some of the ornate decor at the church will be taken down, he said, and a photograph of Pope Francis will be featured prominently, much like at a funeral.

"The archbishop will offer a mass of mourning and prayer for the Pope," Furtado said Monday. 

Furtado said a remembrance will be planned at the cathedral.

Cardinals from around the world will head to Rome to participate in a conclave to elect the next pope.

LISTEN | Vancouver's Catholilc communit reacts to death of Pope Francis:

The Early Edition8:09Pope Francis has died aged 88

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died aged 88. We'll talk about his life and legacy with someone who watches the Vatican closely,