Jorge Mario Bergoglio
1936–2025
Remembering Pope Francis
Jorge Mario Bergoglio
1936–2025
STATEMENT FROM
Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto
and Chancellor of the University of St. Michael’s College
Following the death of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025
Our Catholic family worldwide is in mourning following the death of our spiritual father, Pope Francis. Since 2013, our shepherd has guided the flock lovingly and served as a global ambassador of peace, hope and love. The Holy Father’s humility, compassion and care for others, most especially the poor and marginalized, has served as a powerful witness and a reminder of our daily call to reflect the face of Jesus to all those whom we encounter.
I invite the faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto and all those who mourn his loss, to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May we honour his legacy and lovingly embrace his invitation to be missionaries of mercy, sharing the light of Christ in abundance as we affirm the dignity of every human life and foster a culture of care and love.
Our good and faithful servant has been called home to the Lord. May he rest in peace.
STATEMENT FROM
David G. Sylvester, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of St. Michael’s College
On behalf of the University of St. Michael’s College I wish to express my sorrow on the death of Pope Francis, a visionary leader who inspired the work of the university, whether through encyclicals such as Fratelli tutti and Laudato si’ or by his extemporaneous comments on our need to care for each other, with special concern for the vulnerable and the marginalized. He will be remembered for his concern for human relations, his care for the environment, and for his desire to bring the Church together in conversation.
LETTER FROM
Meric S. Gertler, CM, FRSC, FBA, FAcSS
President of the University of Toronto
April 23, 2025
His Excellency
The Most Reverend IVAN JURKOVIČ
Apostolic Nuncio to Canada
Your Excellency:
On behalf of the University of Toronto, I extend condolences to the Catholic community on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis has left an important legacy for Canada and the entire world. We especially appreciate his historic contributions to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in this country and his groundbreaking leadership in addressing the global climate crisis. We also recognize his deep commitment to inclusion in the Church and in society as a whole. The University of Toronto shares these priorities, and we are grateful for the late pontiff’s example in promoting them.
We stand in sympathy with the Catholic community at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Meric S. Gertler
President
cc. His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto.
STATEMENT FROM
Regis College joins people desiring to build a more just and compassionate world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We are grateful for his twelve years of open, listening leadership and his capacity to perceive and nurture the deep roots of faith in the peoples and cultures of the world. Blessed by his spiritual wisdom and commitment to care for youth, the excluded, and the gifts of creation, we pledge to work with all people of goodwill as artisans of a new humanity.
Gordon Rixon, S.J.
President, Regis College
“Pope Francis – I remember. Pope Francis – I am grateful.”
Sonal Castelino, Director of Mission and Ministry at the University of St. Michael’s College and a candidate with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto.
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“While there is a mixture of emotions, one remains – that of gratitude. You showed us in work and action that our God is a God of mercy. Rest well, dear Pope Francis in the eternal embrace of God’s merciful love. Do not forget to pray for us!”
“Pope Francis and his Journey to Take the Church to the Peripheries“
Susan K. Wood, SCL, Professor of Systematic Theology
Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology
At the Vatican
Photos of the Vatican and Pope Francis’ tomb courtesy of Professor Darren Dias, O.P., RSM, Faculty of Theology, and Executive Director of Toronto School of Theology.
In the Media
In the wake of the death of Pope Francis, Canadian news outlets have called upon the expertise of St. Michael’s faculty to understand this moment in Church history. Over the past days, our professors have shared their personal encounters with the late pope and added their voices to the discourse on the legacy he leaves behind. Below is a sampling of the many media appearances.
CBC News: Toronto priest struck by serenity of crowd gathered to view Pope Francis.
RSM Professor Darren Dias, O.P. has arrived in Rome to offer commentary for CBC on the Pope’s funeral. He notes that visitation was extended past midnight due to the crowds, who faced a five-hour wait.
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He described the late Pope as, “a great voice in the geopolitical world that we live in” in this article for CBC online and was also interviewed for CBC radio.
St. Michael’s Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Catholic Thought and Pope Francis biographer, Professor Michael Higgins, reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis in an opinion piece for the Globe and Mail, titled ‘The legacy of Pope Francis: Choosing faith over fear’.
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The Globe and Mail also published an excerpt from Higgins’ book, The Jesuit Disruptor, available to Globe and Mail subscribers. (‘What’s in a name? Everything.’)
History Professor Mark McGowan reflects on the significance of some of Pope Francis’ final moments in interviews for CBC Radio. He was quoted in an article for the Canadian Press, ‘None of Canada’s five cardinals likely to be next pope, Vatican experts say’ and spoke with Jas Johal on CKNW Vancouver. He was on Halifax’s The Todd Veinotte Show, on April 22 (his interview starts at the 45 min mark) and The Vassy Kapelos Show.
Dr. Moira McQueen, an ethicist who taught at St. Michael’s and is the Executive Director of The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, said Pope Francis acted “as a bridge in society” in this interview for CTV.
Professor Reid Locklin, professor of Christianity and culture, explains how Pope Francis’s successor will be chosen on the following news outlets: Global online, CHCH TV, 680 News Radio, CBC Radio One and CityNews radio.
Tributes from Our Community
From Our Faculty
“Our community deeply mourns the passing of Pope Francis. His witness and faith in the risen Christ have inspired so much of what Regis St. Michael’s is about – care for the integral development of each human person, respect for creation, and valuing movements of reconciliation, peace, and hospitality. May he rest in the communion of the merciful and loving Triune God.”
Professor Jaroslav Skira, Fr. Terrance Forestell, CSB, of the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM).
“I will always be personally grateful for Pope Francis’s courageous leadership on climate change, eco-justice, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples — a legacy that has deeply shaped both my faith and my scholarship.”
Professor Hilda Koster, Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Associate Professor Ecological Theology and the Director of the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology, RSM
“He poured out his life in service to God and the Church and witnessed to the merciful love of God that was the defining dynamic of his papacy.”
Professor Gill Goulding, CJ, appointed to the theological commission of the synod in 2021 and involved in the writing of the early documents.
“Before Christmas of last year, I attended a conference in Rome exploring the future of theology. The highlight was an audience with Pope Francis. In his talk he shared his earnest desire: ‘I would like now to leave you with an invitation, namely, that theology be accessible to all.’ His final words to us shape who I am as a Jesuit, religious, and theologian at Regis St. Michaels: ‘Theology can be that guide on the journey! Please, if any of these people knock on the door of theology, of the schools of theology, may they find it open. Make sure that these women and men find in theology an open house, a place where they can resume their journey, a place where they can seek, find and seek again.’”
Professor Gerard Ryan, SJ, Scarboro Missions Chair in Interreligious Dialogue, RSM
From Our Students
“Pope Francis emulated Jesus in such a beautiful and profound way in his words and actions. His example of striving to truly live the title The Vicar of Christ on earth will hopefully inspire future popes for generations to come.”
John Fraresso, Doctor of Ministry student at RSM
“I wept at the news of his death. He brought such joy, compassion and wisdom to the world.”
Author and lay minister Christine Way Skinner, Doctoral student at RSM.
If there is one thing that Pope Francis would be remembered for, it will be his simplicity, and the great attention he took for the poor, to care for the most vulnerable, and to care for the young. A man who practised what he preached, in both deed and word, I think he can be best remembered as a living example of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a man who went out and served the nations. Yet most importantly he was a patient man, who understood the feelings of those who felt the most separated from the church, reminding them of the home they will always have in God’s family.
Anthony Facchini, first-year SMC student enrolled in the Gilson Seminar
Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in today’s ever-changing world. He showed a profound care for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable members of society. His love for God’s people was beautifully evident in his everyday encounters, meeting others with contagious joy, compassion, and selfless humility. Calling the church a “field hospital,” he recognized the need for healing among members of the body of Christ. Pope Francis boldly lived out Jesus’ example of servanthood during his 12-year papacy. May he rest in eternal peace with God.
Sarah Gangl, Faculty of Music student enrolled in St. Michael’s Gilson Seminar
Pope Francis’s passing leaves a deep ache in the heart of the world. He was a beacon of hope, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless champion of mercy in a time so often clouded by division and despair. Through his words and actions, he taught us that true strength lies in compassion, and true leadership in humility. He dared to dream of a Church — and a world — that embraces every soul with love, regardless of status, creed, or circumstance. Even in the face of resistance, he carried the burdens of the suffering with unwavering courage and tenderness. His light has not gone out; it has simply been passed into our hands. As we grieve, we also give thanks for a life so fully and faithfully lived. As 2 Timothy 4:7 so beautifully declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” — and so did Pope Francis, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Candy Hua, third-year political science and history student
From Our Alumni
When Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after his election to the papacy in 2013 and asked those gathered to bless him and pray for him, I felt that the world was about to meet a pope of the people, for the people. His humility and humanity shone for the next 12 years as he constantly surprised and inspired the world. I was so moved to see him make his penitential pilgrimage to Canada in 2022 to apologize to Indigenous people for the Church’s role in residential schools. May his work in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, caring for our common home, listening in a synodal way, and welcoming “todos, todos, todos!” live on. Dear Pope Francis, we bless you. We pray for you.
Anne Louise Mahoney, SMC 8T4
With specific regard to LGBTQ+ issues, Pope Francis’s legacy is to a large extent positive. His influence will live on in his call to encounter, and his callout of the dangers of indifference. Pope Francis called us to encounter with Jesus Christ, and with one another. Francis’s Synod on Synodality called us to dialogue—in particular, for LGBTQ+ folk— through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development: Doing Theology from the Existential Peripheries. We LGBTQ+ spoke. Queer voices from all around the world. No longer silent.
Pope Francis often emphasized the concrete, the real, whether “the smell of the sheep” modifying his imagery to a current, urban setting— or the crowds at Costco, over abstract concepts, or ethereal teachings. Pope Francis was well aware of the consequences of being indifferent to the suffering, hatred, and disregard for the dignity of all human beings. Yet, notwithstanding Declaration “Dignitas Infinita” on Human Dignity, and all the other Declarations, and words, and more words—one thing, still, we can never do—is look to the church for our dignity. LGBTQ+ folk will continue to speak out against these injustices, to seek dialogue at the local level, and beyond. With gratitude to Pope Francis. And with justified pride.
Carl O’Byrne, SMC 7T4. Participant in the 2023 panel discussion at St. Mike’s on the international theological research project, Doing Theology From the Existential Peripheries, a project created and overseen by the Dicastery on Promoting Integral Human Development.
Book of Condolence and Memorial Masses
Book of Condolence
The University of St. Michael’s College will have a condolence book in memory of Pope Francis for the community to sign this week. It will be available in the John M. Kelly Library lobby from 9:30 am on Wednesday to 5:00 pm on Friday.
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Please note that from 3:00-5:00 pm on Thursday, the book was placed at Regis College, 100 Wellesley St. W, so that those attending the 3:30 pm memorial Mass can sign it.
Memorial Mass
Regis St. Michael’s
St. Joseph Chapel at Regis College
Thursday, April 24 at 3:30 pm
100 Wellesley St. West
Vespers and Mass
St. Basil’s Church
Wednesday, April 23 at 5:10 pm
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Rosary on Friday, April 25 immediately following the 12:10 pm Mass