Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

It is with great sorrow that I join the faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and Catholics around the world, in mourning the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was a tireless shepherd of the Church, a beacon of hope, and a champion of the Gospel. His deep love for the poor, unwavering commitment to peace, and bold witness to Christ’s message of love and reconciliation have inspired millions of people everywhere. Leading with humility, he called us to a renewed closeness to Jesus and a missionary spirit that reaches to the peripheries. His vision of synodality—a Church that listens, discerns and walks together—profoundly shapes our local Church today.

The most significant legacy left to the Archdiocese of Vancouver by Pope Francis is undoubtedly his heart for evangelization. Inspired by his declaration of an Extraordinary Missionary Month in October 2019, we launched Proclaim, a movement that awakens disciples to proclaim Jesus. The Pope’s challenge to embrace missionary discipleship continues to guide our evangelization efforts today.

I will celebrate a Memorial Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver, with the date to be announced soon. Please check back for updates as we come together in prayer for the repose of the soul of our late Holy Father.

O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people’s prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis,
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy
the reward of a faithful steward.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

Requiescat in pace.

+ J. Michael Miller, CSB
Apostolic Administrator