P.E.I. Catholics mourn the passing of Pope Francis
CBC
Catholics across Prince Edward Island are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away early Monday morning at the age of 88.
In recent months, the Pope had been battling health issues. He spent five weeks in the hospital beginning in February after a bout of bronchitis developed into pneumonia.
"We knew that his death was imminent, and yet it was a shock when Monday, we woke up and learned that the Pope passed away," said Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown Joseph Dabrowski.
"Now we need to pray for his soul and be united in prayer with the Catholic Church and reflect with spirit of gratitude, thanksgiving for his work and ministry and his pastoral great care."
Dabrowski said he had the personal privilege of meeting the Pope on four different occasions.
"Each encounter I met with remains close to my heart, and I experienced his genuine pastoral care, warmth, simplicity and joy rooted in the gospel, so beautiful moments," the bishop said.
"In 2015, he was the one who called me to episcopate and I will forever be grateful for that."
As Bishop of the Diocese of Charlottetown, Dabrowski will soon pen a letter to Catholics on the Island through this time of mourning.
In it, he plans to reflect on Pope Francis's 12-year papacy committed to empathy and care for the poor and marginalized.
"Pope Francis showed us what it means to love God with our hearts and soul and mind. He served the Catholic faith faithfully," Dabrowski said.
"He was known for his great humility, his trust in God's mercy, care for the poor, and his desire for peace and dialogue with our people. He encouraged the Church to listen, walk together and care for one another in our creation."
Dabrowski also highlighted the Pope's historic visit to Canada in 2022, where he undertook what he called a six-day "pilgrimage of penance" in Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut, walking alongside Indigenous peoples on a path of healing and reconciliation.
The Pope also weighed in on various global issues, including calling on world leaders for an urgent response to the climate crisis, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and urging for peace in Ukraine.
"Globally, he inspired millions through his humility, simplicity and the courage to speak prophetically on issues that matter," Dabrowski said.
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