Catholic leaders in Edmonton reflect on legacy of Pope Francis
Pontiff led with 'openness, receptivity, sensitivity', says Archbishop Richard Smith
Catholic leaders in Edmonton are reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis, a progressive pontiff who made an indelible mark on the faithful in Alberta.
Francis died Monday at the Vatican at the age of 88.
His death triggered an outpouring of memories of his historic visit to Alberta in the summer of 2022, which included a long-awaited apology for the conduct of some members of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada's residential school system and the colonization of Indigenous peoples.
In a statement Monday, officials with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton said Francis led with "openness, receptivity, sensitivity."
'Heart on his sleeve'
In a statement, Archbishop Richard Smith, now the Archbishop-elect of Vancouver, said Francis will be remembered as a pontiff who led with kindness and gave his life to God.
Smith recalled accompanying a delegation of Indigenous representatives from Canada who to Rome in March 2022 to meet with Francis before his trip to Canada.
Four months later, Francis began what he described at the time as a "penitential pilgrimage" aimed at advancing reconciliation with Indigenous people over the lasting harm suffered in residential schools.
Francis made the trip even though he was in "constant pain" throughout the visit, Smith said.
"Pope Francis wears his heart on his sleeve, even to the public, even before mass audiences. But to see him open his heart, open his mind to the Indigenous was really — I think — an example to us all," Smith said in his statement Monday.
"It was a particular example to me as a bishop as to how we go forward in the Church in opening our hearts to those in need, those who are hurting in any way, those who are suffering and find new ways — suited to their situation — that they can hear the Gospel and find hope in it. As to legacy, I think will be remembered for that above all."
A 'penitential pilgrimage'
Francis visited Canada in July 2022, visiting Edmonton, attending the annual pilgrimage at Lac Ste. Anne, then heading off to Quebec City and Iqaluit.
A day after arriving to the sound of traditional drums at the Edmonton airport, Francis travelled to the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School in the community of Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, and made an apology to survivors.
In a morning event in a First Nation community in central Alberta, Francis said he was sorry and ashamed for abuses committed by some members of the Catholic Church, as well as for the cultural destruction and forced assimilation that culminated in the schools.
To applause from some of those gathered, the Pope repeatedly begged forgiveness for actions of the past, supported by many members of the Church, which created the "disastrous error" and "deplorable evil" of residential schools.
The Canadian visit also included a holy mass at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Francis blessed and kissed babies and young children handed to him as he was driven around the football field.
At a sacred pilgrimage site in Lac Ste. Anne, Francis took part in a church service, wearing a red Métis sash around his neck.
His trip to Alberta also included a visit to Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in central Edmonton, where Francis spoke to several hundred Indigenous leaders, parish members and others.
After hymns were sung, Francis delivered a a homily-style speech and spoke about the meaning of reconciliation.
He said it pained him to know that Catholics contributed to policies of assimilation that robbed people of their culture and identity.
"In the name of Jesus, may this never happen again in the church," he said.
Fernie Marty, an elder and Indigenous knowledge keeper for Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, said it was an honour to meet Francis during his visit.
He said the pontiff was a genuine and charismatic leader who worked tirelessly to support and guide the faithful.
Marty said he was devastated to learn of Francis's death. He said he will remember the religious leader for his humility, kindness and warmth.
"I thought that he was a very charismatic individual and I felt that he was sincere in his apology," he said in an interview Monday.
"It was all powerful. And thinking back about it, it's so beautiful that that he did come here to Alberta and that he did make that apology. That was very meaningful what he did."
Marty, a member of Papaschase First Nation who has attended Sacred Heart for decades, fondly recalls sharing a few moments with Francis, speaking with him through an interpreter.
He said a language barrier did not stop him from feeling warmth and understanding from Francis during their brief meeting. He said it was moving to see Francis speak directly with so many parishioners.
"That was the most powerful experience," Marty said. "He came right down into the inner city, you know, and he came there and spoke to the common people.
"That is my memory of him. You know, it didn't matter that he was the Pope. He came and talked to us and gave us his blessings. And I thought that was amazing."
Mark Blom, associate pastor of Sacred Heart, on Monday said the news of potential unmarked graves near several former residential school sites beginning in 2021 thrust the dark history into the spotlight, and the Catholic church had to respond.
Blom said the Pope tasked local leaders with the responsibility to continue repairing those relationships.
"What I tell people all the time is, there will be some sorrow when you learn the stories and the cost to the First Peoples that this land and its benefits have been for others," he said. "But the pain you feel in your heart, if you feel it, will leave you with a greater heart."
Indigenous leader says Pope made progress
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Chief Tony Alexis said on Monday Pope Francis had a short, but memorable relationship with people in his community.
Standing on the site of an annual spiritual pilgrimage into Lac Ste. Anne, about 80 kilometres west of Edmonton, Alexis recalled the Pope's 2022 visit to the site.
In 2016, Alexis was among Indigenous leaders who travelled to the Vatican to deliver hundreds of letters from Indigenous people who have lost loved ones to suicide. Alexis invited him to attend the pilgrimage at Lac Ste. Anne in the future.
About six years later, the Pope did that, with an aide rolling his wheelchair to the edge of the water. Alexis told Pope Francis local legends about the lake, and said the pontiff gave hugs to elders who had lost their children.
The Pope's visit and apology legitimized Indigenous peoples' assertions about the harms of church policies and actions, Alexis said.
"As a leader, he, he took some big risks," Alexis said. "He didn't follow the path that other popes followed."
In a statement Monday, Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta was honoured to welcome Francis. She said the 2022 papal visit brought "moments of worship, reflection, and an important step toward healing."
"His meeting with Indigenous leaders and his apology for the legacy of residential schools were acts of humility and reconciliation — reminders that faith calls us to forgiveness," Smith said in her statement Monday.
"Today, we join with Catholics across our province and the world in mourning Pope Francis, reflecting on a life dedicated to God and to the service of others."
Easter Monday mass
Speaking before his congregation during Easter Monday mass, Smith said the pontiff's pilgrimage to Canada made a "consequential impact" on the history of the country and said that Francis' legacy will be one of hope.
Smith, standing in the pulpit dressed in white and gold vestments, said Francis had a "particular gift" in demonstrating God's "gospel of mercy" and that his memory will, in turn, encourage merciful acts among the faithful.
He told parishioners that on this holy day, Catholics are giving thanks for Francis' dedication to the Catholic faith and to its followers.
Smith then led a prayer, offering gratitude for Francis and asking that those who mourn his death be granted peace and solace.
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With files from Janet French and Sam Samson
