CHARLOTTETOWN鈥擟anadian political leaders praised Pope Francis on Monday, with Liberal Leader Mark Carney commending his “moral clarity” and leadership聽鈥 including his 2022 apology for the role of Christians in Indigenous residential schools聽鈥 after the Catholic pontiff died Monday at 88.
Carney, a practicing Catholic who remains prime minister through the election campaign, began a campaign event in Prince Edward Island on a sombre note, reflecting on the pope鈥檚 legacy as an example of what he described as compassionate leadership for the world鈥檚 most vulnerable. He declared that the pope鈥檚 example shows the need to ensure financial markets don鈥檛 overshadow human values of compassion, an echo of Carney鈥檚 own perspective as espoused in his 2021 book Value(s), and pointed to Pope Francis鈥檚 view that environmental degradation and social injustice are linked.
鈥淧ope Francis was a voice of moral clarity, spiritual courage, and boundless compassion. He was in many respects, the world鈥檚 conscience, never hesitating to challenge the powerful on behalf of the vulnerable,鈥 Carney said.
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鈥淐omparing humanity to wine聽鈥 rich, diverse, full of spirit 鈥 and the market to grappa聽鈥斅燿istilled, intense, and at times disconnected. And he called on all of us to reintegrate human values into our economic lives,鈥 Carney added.
鈥淚 join others in reflecting on his passing and commit myself to fulfilling his challenge.鈥
Pope Francis has died. He was 88.
Associated PressCarney also noted how Pope Francis visited Canada in 2022, and apologized for the role of Christians in the Indigenous residential school system. Thousands of children were forced to attend the schools over more than a century, in what the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission determined was a central part of a government policy of 鈥渃ultural genocide.鈥
Carney called the apology a 鈥渃rucial鈥 and “historic” step in the church鈥檚 鈥渏ourney鈥 towards reconciliation.聽
“The church, and dare I say all of us, have more to travel on that journey, and certainly my government is committed to advancing reconciliation,” Carney said.聽
He said this includes work to “integrate” Indigenous groups into decisions on building Canada’s economy, as well as moves to increase government loan guarantees to help First Nations, M茅tis and Inuit communities buy into or lead development projects.聽
The Pope's last day, Easter Sunday, was marked by an appearance on the Loggia balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, meeting the faithful in the piazza below, and a private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.聽
Associated PressOn social media, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre similarly offered condolences and noted the significance of the 2022 papal apology.
鈥淗is humility, compassion, and steadfast faith had a profound impact on millions of Canadians and others around the world from every faith background,鈥 Poilievre, raised a Catholic, wrote.
Later, at a news conference in Scarborough, Poilievre added, “there have been countless millions of Catholics and non-Catholics that have been inspired by his leadership in faith and other domains. Our prayers are with all Catholics as they lay to rest the head of the Catholic Church, and we are in solidarity in remembering him and honouring his contributions.”.
Pope Francis is being remembered by Canadians as a man of compassion and progressive values. Religious leaders say Francis was accessible and eager to listen, including when he met with Indigenous people to hear about their stories and experiences. (April 21, 2025 / The Canadian Press)
In a statement Monday morning, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called the residential school apology a 鈥渕eaningful step toward truth and accountability 鈥 one that brought deep emotions for many Indigenous families and communities.鈥
Editor’s note — April 22, 2025
This article has been updated.
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