Pope Francis was ambassador of 'peace, hope and love,' Toronto Archbishop says
CBC
Father Joshua Roldan acknowledged the sombre mood among the congregation at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto on Monday morning, hours after the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis.
Roldan's Easter service paid tribute to the late leader of the Catholic church, with the pastor saying Francis, who died at 88 after battling illness for months, demonstrated how love can transform every human being.
Roldan reflected on watching TV as Francis first appeared before the world as Pope on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in March 2013.
"I remember that beautiful image of him kneeling before the crowd and asking us to pray for him," Roldan said during his homily.
"It was very humbling and inspiring to see a man who was truly in love with the Lord, truly moved by the power of the resurrection and truly understanding that he too, like all of us, needs the mercy and love of God."
Roldan's tribute was the latest in an outpouring of support and admiration from religious leaders to politicians to the chief of police. Cardinals from around the world, including those based in Toronto, will soon head to Rome to take part in the conclave to elect the next pope.
WATCH | Torontonians share what Pope Francis meant to them:
At St. Basil's Catholic Parish, Paddy Hardy said he came into the church with his family on Monday morning to pray for Francis after being devastated by the news.
"We always found he was down to earth. He wasn't into… fancy stuff," he said.
"He was of the people, for the people."
Francis opted for a simple wooden coffin, the Vatican confirmed.
Francis was a "global ambassador of peace, hope and love," the Archbishop of Toronto said Monday as the city's Catholic community woke to news of his death.
Frank Cardinal Leo, the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, said in a statement Francis showed "humility, compassion and care for others, most especially the poor and marginalized."
"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," Leo said.
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