Pope Francis made Catholic Church more welcoming, says Winnipeg Archbishop

'He really was focused on us being a listening people, that we start by listening to those around us,' says Archbishop Murray Chatlain.

Less than 24 hours after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis early Monday morning.

His 12-year papacy was the most progressive in generations, as he championed the poor, approved blessings of same-sex marriages, and appointed women to major roles in the church.

Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Winnipeg, says Francis led the Catholic Church to become more welcoming for all.

“He would say it’s not a hotel for saints, but a hospital for sinners,” says Chatlain. “And that sense of listening — he really was focused on us being a listening people, that we start by listening to those around us.”

The 88-year-old pontiff had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia, but the Vatican says he died of a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

Three years ago, Pope Francis made a historic apology to Canada’s Indigenous peoples for the church’s role in the residential school system. The apology was followed by a visit to Canada later that year.

In a statement, Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand says that showed his “character and integrity”.

“Despite the risks of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the exceptional decision to greet and shake hands with every single member of our delegation,” says Chartrand. “Every member felt his true respect and left feeling honoured and recognized.”