Campaigning federal party leaders mark the death of Pope Francis

OTTAWA — Political leaders are reflecting on the death of Pope Francis, worldwide leader of the Roman Catholic Church, on the campaign trail today.

In a lengthy statement released in his capacity as prime minister this morning, Liberal Leader Mark Carney praises Pope Francis for redefining “the moral responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century.”

Carney also notes Francis’s visit to Canada in 2022 — during which he apologized to Indigenous Peoples for the legacy of residential schools — calling it “an important step of accountability and healing on the shared path towards reconciliation.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also notes the apology in a statement issued this morning.

Poilievre says the Pope’s “humility, compassion, and steadfast faith had a profound impact on millions of Canadians and others around the world.”

In a statement posted to social media, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the Pope showed the world that faith can be “a force for justice” but adds that the apology to residential school survivors was not enough for many.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2025.

The Canadian Press