The Diocese of London is expressing its "great sadness" after news of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at the Vatican.
Bishop Ronald Fabbro told CK News Today in a statement on Monday afternoon that Catholics and non-Catholics around the world have a profound appreciation for his papacy and his outstanding leadership.
"We mourn his loss and thank God for the humble witness he gave all of us," said Bishop Fabbro. "Pope Francis boldly proclaimed that God’s mercy is the heart of the Gospel and that it is offered to everyone. In this Jubilee Year, he called us to be pilgrims of hope. He was a true pastor, a shepherd who cared for the flock, especially those who were poor and on the margins. In his own ministry, he constantly demonstrated the message he gave priests that they needed to have the 'smell of the sheep'."
The pope was admired worldwide for "championing" the rights of immigrants and refugees, for promoting world peace and ecological justice, and for his "courageous" commitment to bring an end to clergy sexual abuse, putting in place the preventative measures necessary to create safe environments in the Church, said the bishop.
Bishop Fabbro noted he met the pope twice and both meetings had a profound impact on him.
"I was very grateful to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. Both these encounters left a deep impression on me," said Fabbro about his first encounter with the pope in Rome. "I was inspired by his genuine concern for us as bishops and the personal insights he shared with us on the pastoral challenges we were facing in our dioceses. He encouraged us to be close to our people."
Fabbro said his second meeting with Pope Francis occurred in Quebec during his visit to Canada in July 2022.
"I was moved by his apologies to the Indigenous Peoples, the respect he showed them and the sorrow he expressed for the pain caused by the residential schools. I went to Quebec with a small group of Indigenous who were serving on our diocesan committee. They spoke to me of how moved they were by the pope’s words and of the healing it brought them. The incredible witness the pope gave us on his penitential pilgrimage to Canada has been instrumental in our diocesan commitment to journey with local indigenous communities on the path of truth, reconciliation and healing," Bishop Fabbro noted.
Bishop Fabbro also said the pope has had a huge impact on him and his episcopal ministry by calling on churches to be a missionary church that is an authentic witness to the Gospel in our culture.
He added the pope has also shaped the pastoral outreach of the diocese to families and young people and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
"Following the recent direction given by the pope that we must listen to the voices of our lay people, our diocese is taking steps to be a more synodal (collaborative) Church," Fabbro said. "We thank God for his witness to the Gospel and for the faithful service he gave the Church as our shepherd."
The diocese said parishioners will join in prayer for Pope Francis in the coming days, adding may he rest in peace.
The Vatican said Pope Francis died from a stroke and irreversible heart disease.
The pontiff was 88.