Archbishops of Toronto, Montreal to hold mass in honour of Pope Francis
A flag flies at half-mast at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica after the death of Pope Francis, on April 21. Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, will preside at a mass for the repose of the soul of the pontiff at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on Tuesday.Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press
Canada’s newest cardinal will lead a mass in honour of Pope Francis this afternoon.
Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto, will preside at a mass for the repose of the soul of the pontiff at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica before meeting with the media.
The Vatican announced yesterday that Francis had died of a stroke and heart failure at age 88, just after the end of Holy Week. The funeral will be held on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square.
Leo was among the last group of cardinals Francis elevated into the role back in December, and one of five cardinals from Canada. He will also preside over an evening prayer for the late pope.
In Montreal, Archbishop Christian Lepine will preside over an evening requiem mass at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, followed by a vigil.
Both masses will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Pope Francis is being remembered by Canadians as a man of compassion and progressive values. Religious leaders say Francis was accessible and eager to listen, including when he met with Indigenous people to hear about their stories and experiences.
The Canadian Press