Pope Francis, shown here meeting Gov. Gen. Mary Simon during a 2022 visit to Quebec City, died at age 88 on Easter Monday, April 21. Simon was one of many Canadian public officials and religious leaders to send condolences as news spread of the Pope’s passing. Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and compassion, spreading messages of peace, love and understanding throughout the world. His legacy of humility, social justice and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on humanity. [His] apology for members of the Catholic Church who co-operated with the devastating abuse of Indigenous children at residential schools … was a testament to his commitment to respect, dialogue and collaboration across cultures and faiths – values he held dear throughout his papacy,” she said in a statement. The QCT will have further reaction to the Pope’s death and legacy in the April 30 edition. (Photo by Cassandra Kerwin from QCT archives)