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Catholic Education Week 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope”

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, Enriching faith

A message released by the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan for Catholic Education Week May 25 to 31 reflects on the impact of Catholic education on students, families, communities, and the world.

“In joy and thanksgiving, we, the Catholic Bishops of Saskatchewan, invite you to join us in recognizing the gift and the impact of Catholic education as we mark World Catholic Education Day on May 29, 2025, and celebrate Catholic Education Week in our province,” says the message signed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon,  Bishop Michael Smolinksi of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, and Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina.

“May Catholic education continue to model Christ: ‘… the Way, the Truth and the Life.’ (John 14:16)” states the bishops’ message, inviting the faithful to “pray in thanksgiving for the continuing existence and protection of publicly-funded Catholic education in Saskatchewan, and for hope and perseverance for educators, students and families.”

Across the globe, the World Day of Catholic Education is marked on Ascension Thursday, which this year falls on Thursday, May 29, 2005. And each year, in conjunction with World Catholic Education Day, the Catholic school divisions in Saskatchewan engage in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education. This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week is “Pilgrims of Hope” echoing the theme of the Jubilee Year proclaimed in 2025.

The five sub-themes for Catholic Education Week: Pilgrims of Hope are:

  • By honouring human dignity / Honorent la dignité humaine
  • By caring for creation / Prennent soin de la création
  • By responding to the poverties in our world / Luttent contre les pauvretés
  • By serving in solidarity / Servant en solidarité
  • By living as peacemakers / Vivent en artisans de paix

“Hope – one of the three theological virtues – is grounded in our Easter faith in Jesus’ resurrection and renewal; this is what enables us to be builders, dreamers and leaders in Jesus’ name.” – Catholic Education Week resources

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Confirmation season underway in parishes across the diocese

By News

Starting the week after Easter, Bishop Mark Hagemoen has been travelling from parish to parish, joining communities for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with youth.

Related: Confirmation retreats held in six locations – ARTICLE

The confirmation season started with a celebration at Saint Anne Parish in Saskatoon on April 29, continued April 30 at St. Augustine Parish, Saskatoon, May 6 at St. Patrick, Saskatoon; and May 7 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Clement Arthur with confirmands at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Monica Aspiazu)

Confirmations at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon were held over two evenings — May 8 and May 9.

On Sunday, May 11, Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Anthony Parish at Lake Lenore, to celebrate confirmation with youth of that parish, located in the Humboldt deanery.

Earlier in the day on May 11, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, and the evening before on May 10, the bishop celebrated confirmation at St. Bruno Parish in Bruno.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore, SK. (Submitted photo)

On Friday, May 16, the bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at St. Michael Parish, Cudworth.

Confirmations were celebrated Saturday, May 17 at St. Peter Parish, Unity, SK, an on Sunday, May 18 at St. Mary Parish, Macklin, and then at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Charles Nweze with confirmands at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK. (Submitted photo)

The bishop celebrated confirmation with youth at Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish in Saskatoon May 20 and with a large group at the Cathedral of the Holy Family on May 21.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

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CONFIRMATION 2025: Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrates at Immaculate Conception Parish at Major, SK

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Charles Nweze with confirmands at Immaculate Conception Parish, Major, SK. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined Immaculate Conception Parish at Major, SK  on Sunday, May 18, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Earlier in the day May 18, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Mary Parish in Macklin, SK, and the evening before on May 17, the bishop celebrated confirmation at St. Peter Parish in Unity, SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

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CONFIRMATION 2025 – Bishop Hagemoen celebrates at St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu with confirmands at St. Anthony Parish, Lake Lenore, SK. (Submitted photo)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined St. Anthony Parish at Lake Lenore, SK,  on Sunday, May 11, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Earlier in the day May 11, Bishop Hagemoen also confirmed youth at St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt, and the evening before on May 10, the bishop celebrated confirmation at St. Bruno Parish in Bruno, SK.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

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World Day of Prayer for Vocations

By Enriching faith

May 11,  2025 Good Shepherd Sunday on the Fourth Sunday of Easter

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

One of Pope Francis’ last messages is the one for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 11, “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life,” which was released in March:  LINK to Pope Francis message

Excerpt: “The Church needs pastors, religious, missionaries and spouses capable of saying “yes” to the Lord with trust and hope. A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart; rather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves and hopes. No one can respond to God’s call alone, for all of us need the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters. Dearly beloved, the Church is alive and fruitful when she generates new vocations.  Our world looks, often unknowingly, for witnesses of hope who proclaim with their lives that following Christ is a source of true joy. Let us never tire, then, of asking the Lord for new labourers for his harvest, certain that with great love he continues to call them. Dear young people, I entrust your efforts to follow the Lord to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of vocations. Keep walking as pilgrims of hope on the path of the Gospel!” – Pope Francis, March 19, 2025

* Please pray for vocations, for all those discerning God’s call in their lives, and for our diocesan seminarians: Huy Le, Mishca Taillon, John Paul Wasan, and Matthew Witzaney.

Prayer for Vocations

O God, you have chosen the apostles to make disciples of all nations.
By Baptism and Confirmation, you have called all of us to embrace our priesthood in Jesus Christ and build up the Body of Christ as his disciples. ­Give us strength to respond to your call.
We entreat you, O Lord, to raise up from our families many priests and deacons, sisters and brothers
who will love you with their whole hearts and will gladly spend their entire lives to make
you known and loved by all.
Amen

Bishop Hagemoen message about election of Pope Leo XIV

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s message – Download PDF

 

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon

To the Clergy, Religious, & Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Saskatoon:

On the Occasion of the Election of Pope Leo XIV

“It is with joy and hope that I acknowledge with you the election of Pope Leo XIV. This of course follows the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday – just a few weeks ago.

“There is already much commentary about the man previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost – and especially on why he may have chosen the name “Leo”. I am sure he will give much explanation for this in the near future.

“However, at this time we celebrate his leadership as a missionary servant to God’s people; his work of dialogue and building bridges; his work to bring ongoing growth, organisation, and reform to the governance structures of the Church.

“I join with all of you as we unite in prayer and hope for the papal leadership of Pope Leo XIV, and the future of our Church in this Jubilee Year of Hope. May the same hope that so inspired Pope Francis also inspire and bless Pope Leo XIV, and of course all our diocese as we thank God at this time of the election of the Holy Father.

​”In the words of Pope Leo XIV in his opening address, ‘Peace be with all of you!’”

RELATED: Canadian Catholic Bishops welcome Pope Leo XIV with Rejoicing and Prayers – LINK

RELATED: Video of Press Conference with CCCB President Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary – LINK

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CONFIRMATION 2025 – Bishop Hagemoen celebrates at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Pastor Fr. Clement Arthur with confirmands at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Saskatoon. (Photo by Monica Aspiazu).

Bishop Mark Hagemoen joined the parish community of St. Peter the Apostle, 1121 Northumberland Avenue, Saskatoon on Wednesday, May 7, 2025  to celebrate confirmation with youth of the parish.

Confirmation season began April 29, 2025 at Saint Anne Parish, Saskatoon, and continued April 30 at St. Augustine, Saskatoon. A large group of young people also received the sacrament of confirmation at St. Patrick Parish, Saskatoon on May 6.

The 2025 Confirmation schedule with the bishop continues throughout the Easter season at parishes across the diocese until early summer: check out the website calendar of events for other celebration dates and locations: rcdos.ca/events.

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Habemus Papam! Chicago-born Cardinal Prevost elected pope, takes name Leo XIV

By News

Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, was elected the 267th pope on May 8, 2025 and took the name Pope Leo XIV. 
MEDIA RELEASE:

CCCB Welcomes Pope Leo XIV with Rejoicing and Prayers

By Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Communications Office

[Ottawa – 8 May 2025]  – Today, the Church in Canada and throughout the world rejoices, as His Eminence Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, O.S.A., after being duly elected by the College of Cardinals, has accepted to become the 267th Bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, and vicar of Christ on earth!

Taking the name Leo XIV, the Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Saint Peter, is the “perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the Bishops and the whole company of the faithful” (Lumen Gentium, no. 23).

As our loving shepherd and spiritual guide, Pope Leo XIV’s ministry is to orient Christ’s flock toward the kingdom of heaven, where the citizenship of Christians truly lies (cf. Philippians 3:20-21).

Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955. As a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.), in which he held various leadership positions, he dedicated many years of service to the Augustinian missions in Peru as a priest and seminary professor. He was eventually appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, by Pope Francis.

As a Bishop of the Church in Peru, he served as Vice President and member of the Permanent Council of the Peruvian Bishops’
Conference. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops and elevated him to the College of Cardinals.

Pope Leo XIV holds a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical College of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Commenting on this historic moment, the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, asks the faithful to embrace the new Pope: “I encourage the faithful in Canada to unite with their local Ordinary in welcoming Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father, and to remember him daily in their prayers so that he may embark on his Petrine ministry with fidelity, confident that the Lord will help him.”

As the Church in Canada rejoices today with Christians throughout the world, let us remember our new Holy Father in prayer, that despite the considerable weight of his role and responsibilities, his yoke may be easy and his burden light (cf. Matthew 11:28-20).

May God grant strength and wisdom to our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, and may Mary, Mother of the Church, be ever at his side, guarding him with her mantle of protection.

To pray for Pope Leo XIV, you are invited to use the prayers for the inauguration of the Petrine Ministry now available on the CCCB website: LINK.

RELATED: Message from Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen on the election of Pope Leo XIV – LINK

RELATED: Video of Press Conference with CCCB President Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary – LINK


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CCCB president invites faithful to join in prayer for conclave to select a new pope

By News

“O God, Eternal Shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.” – Collect from the Mass for the Election of a Pope:

Cardinals from around the world pray in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on March 12, 2013, before beginning the Conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. The following day, on the fifth ballot, they elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who chose the name Francis. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

In a statement released May 5, Bishop William McGratten, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), issued an invitation to all the Catholic faithful of Canada to pray for the conclave at which cardinals from around the world will vote to choose the next pope.

Resources about the conclave, including the CCCB president’s message and a selection of prayers, have also been posted on the CCCB website at: LINK.

“With the support of your prayers, may God’s will be accomplished,” wrote McGrattan about the solemn process of electing a new pope to replace Pope Francis who died April 21.

McGrattan’s message notes that on Wednesday, May 7, 133 cardinals from across the world will gather to begin the process to choose the 267th successor of Saint Peter “behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel.”

“The conclave recalls the gathering of the Apostles in the Upper Room before Pentecost, where they ‘constantly devoted themselves to prayer’ (Acts 1:13–14),” wrote McGratten. “Unlike modern portrayals in popular media, the conclave is first and foremost a deeply spiritual event. It is carried out with solemn liturgical acts and constant prayer, as emphasized in the Order of the Sacred Rites of a Conclave. The cardinals undertake this sacred responsibility under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, whom they invoke in order to hear God’s voice and discern His will.”

In that spirit, the conclave rites envision that the faithful are praying alongside the cardinal electors, he said, quoting the order that states: “the whole church, united with us [the cardinal electors] in prayer, invokes the grace of the Holy Spirit so that we may elect a worthy pastor of the entire flock of Christ.”

McGratten notes that there are many meaningful ways to pray for the conclave “asking the Holy Spirit to grant the cardinals wisdom, faith, and discernment as they carry out this sacred task.”

The CCCB president concluded: “And when the time comes, may you joyfully welcome the newly elected pastor of the Universal Church, with a renewed awareness that Christ ‘placed Blessed Peter over the other Apostles and instituted in him a permanent and visible source and foundation of unity of faith and communion’ (Lumen Gentium, no. 18).”

CCCB webpage dedicated to the conclave, which contains relevant information and resources:

 

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Diocese joins world in mourning Pope Francis

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Pope Francis: 1936-2025

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at a diocesan Mass of Remembrance for Pope Francis at April 26, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. The Mass was live-streamed at: YouTube LINK    /.   AUDIO of Bishop Mark Hagemoen’s Homily –LINK

MESSAGE From Bishop Hagemoen about Pope Francis: LINK

Like the rest of the world, Catholics in the diocese of Saskatoon woke up Easter Monday morning to the news that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had died.

NEWS ITEM:  LINK

Prayer from Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools written by Darcie Lich:

“As a community of faith, we join our prayers with the almost 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide in praying for the repose of the pope’s soul and for the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals in selecting the next successor of Peter.

Let us pray.

With sorrowful hearts, we remember our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
We thank You for the gift of his life and his faithful service—
for the way he spoke of Your mercy,
lived it with humility,
and called the world to do the same.

He showed us how to care for those on the margins,
and how to lead with compassion and courage.
Now, Lord, welcome him into the light of Your presence,
and grant him rest in Your eternal mercy.

As we grieve his passing, strengthen us to carry forward the example he set.
May we, too, be instruments of Your mercy—open to others, rooted in love, and faithful in our witness.
Guide Your Church in the days to come, and help us to walk always in the light of Christ, in whose name we pray.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

(Image courtesy of Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton caedm.ca)

Pope Francis led with openness and sensitivity

Courtesy of the  Catholic Archdiocese of Edmontoncaedm.ca

His Holiness, Pope Francis, a man who gave his life to God and led the Catholic Church died on Easter Monday April 21. He was 88.

The Pope was admitted to hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Feb. 18. After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence to continue his recovery.

The people of the Archdiocese of Edmonton will never forget the visit of His Holiness to Edmonton and Canada July 24-29, 2022. The Pope’s visit provided a unique opportunity for him to listen and dialogue with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples of this land, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada.

Archbishop Richard Smith, now the Archbishop-Elect of Vancouver, recalled accompanying a delegation of Indigenous representatives from Canada that went to Rome in March 2022 to meet with Pope Francis. Four months later, Pope Francis came to Canada on his penitential pilgrimage to Canada to meet with Indigenous peoples on their own territory. The Holy Father made the trip even though he was in “constant pain” throughout the visit, Archbishop Smith said.

“Pope Francis wore 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,” Archbishop Smith recalled.

“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…. So that legacy of, how would I put it, openness, receptivity, sensitivity to the needs of any who are suffering in any way – that’s the most important legacy and lasting the legacy the Pope will have for us.”

In his first public event in Canada, Pope Francis addressed representatives of Indigenous Peoples of the First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit gathered in Maskwacis Park. In his poignant speech, he again implores forgiveness for the evils committed by many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples in Canada in the residential school system.

His historic visit marked a significant step on the journey towards healing and reconciliation with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples of Canada which continues unabated. Eternal rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace

A Prayer Upon the Death of the Holy Father

O God, who in your wonderous providence chose your servant Pope Francis to preside over your church, grant, we pray, that having served as the Vicar of your Son on earth, he may be welcomed by him into eternal glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Biography of Pope Francis

The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Argentina. The 88-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years of his episcopal ministry.

“My people are poor and I am one of them”, he has said more than once, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper. He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone. The worst thing that could happen to the Church, he has said on various occasions, “is what de Lubac called spiritual worldliness”, which means, “being self-centred”. And when he speaks of social justice, he calls people first of all to pick up the Catechism, to rediscover the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. His project is simple: if you follow Christ, you understand that “trampling upon a person’s dignity is a serious sin”.

Despite his reserved character — his official biography consists of only a few lines, at least until his appointment as Archbishop of Buenos Aires — he became a reference point because of the strong stances he took during the dramatic financial crisis that overwhelmed the country in 2001.

He was born in Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936, the son of Italian immigrants. His father Mario was an accountant employed by the railways and his mother Regina Sivori was a committed wife dedicated to raising their five children. He graduated as a chemical technician and then chose the path of the priesthood, entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto. On 11 March 1958 he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus. He completed his studies of the humanities in Chile and returned to Argentina in 1963 to graduate with a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel. From 1964 to 1965 he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé and in 1966 he taught the same subject at the Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. From 1967-70 he studied theology and obtained a degree from the Colegio of San José.

On 13 December 1969 he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He continued his training between 1970 and 1971 at the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and on 22 April 1973 made his final profession with the Jesuits. Back in Argentina, he was novice master at Villa Barilari, San Miguel; professor at the Faculty of Theology of San Miguel; consultor to the Province of the Society of Jesus and also Rector of the Colegio Máximo of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology.

On 31 July 1973 he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, an office he held for six years. He then resumed his work in the university sector and from 1980 to 1986 served once again as Rector of the Colegio de San José, as well as parish priest, again in San Miguel. In March 1986 he went to Germany to finish his doctoral thesis; his superiors then sent him to the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires and next to the Jesuit Church in the city of Córdoba as spiritual director and confessor.

It was Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who wanted him as a close collaborator. So, on 20 May 1992 Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. On 27 May he received episcopal ordination from the Cardinal in the cathedral. He chose as his episcopal motto, miserando atque eligendo, and on his coat of arms inserted the ihs, the symbol of the Society of Jesus.

He gave his first interview as a bishop to a parish newsletter, Estrellita de Belém. He was immediately appointed Episcopal Vicar of the Flores district and on 21 December 1993 was also entrusted with the office of Vicar General of the Archdiocese. Thus it came as no surprise when, on 3 June 1997, he was raised to the dignity of Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Not even nine months had passed when, upon the death of Cardinal Quarracino, he succeeded him on 28 February 1998, as Archbishop, Primate of Argentina and Ordinary for Eastern-rite faithful in Argentina who have no Ordinary of their own rite.

Three years later at the Consistory of 21 February 2001, John Paul ii created him Cardinal, assigning him the title of San Roberto Bellarmino. He asked the faithful not to come to Rome to celebrate his creation as Cardinal but rather to donate to the poor what they would have spent on the journey. As Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Argentina, he is the author of the books: Meditaciones para religiosos (1982), Reflexiones sobre la vida apostólica (1992) and Reflexiones de esperanza (1992).

In October 2001 he was appointed General Relator to the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Episcopal Ministry. This task was entrusted to him at the last minute to replace Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, Archbishop of New York, who was obliged to stay in his homeland because of the terrorist attacks on September 11th. At the Synod he placed particular emphasis on “the prophetic mission of the bishop”, his being a “prophet of justice”, his duty to “preach ceaselessly” the social doctrine of the Church and also “to express an authentic judgement in matters of faith and morals”.

All the while Cardinal Bergoglio was becoming ever more popular in Latin America. Despite this, he never relaxed his sober approach or his strict lifestyle, which some have defined as almost “ascetic”. In this spirit of poverty, he declined to be appointed as President of the Argentine Bishops’ Conference in 2002, but three years later he was elected and then, in 2008, reconfirmed for a further three-year mandate. Meanwhile in April 2005 he took part in the Conclave in which Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires — a diocese with more than three million inhabitants — he conceived of a missionary project based on communion and evangelization. He had four main goals: open and brotherly communities; an informed laity playing a lead role; evangelization efforts addressed to every inhabitant of the city; and assistance to the poor and the sick. He aimed to re-evangelize Buenos Aires, “taking into account those who live there, its structure and its history”. He asked priests and lay people to work together.

In September 2009 he launched the solidarity campaign for the bicentenary of the Independence of the country. Two hundred charitable agencies are to be set up by 2016. And on a continental scale, he expected much from the impact of the message of the Aparecida Conference in 2007, to the point of describing it as the “Evangelii Nuntiandi of Latin America.”

Until the beginning of the recent sede vacante, he was a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

He was elected Supreme Pontiff on 13 March 2013.

Pope Francis made a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022, visiting Edmonton and Maskwacis, attending the annual pilgrimage at Lac Ste. Anne, then to Quebec City and Iqaluit.

The Pope’s visit provided a unique opportunity for him, once again, to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada:

“…I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.” – Pope Francis – April 1, 2022

The papal visit also provided an opportunity for the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics to connect with the Catholic community in Canada.

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