2025 Easter Message & Mourning the Death of Pope Francis - from Bishop McGrattan

Mon, April 21, 2025
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With deep sorrow, Bishop McGrattan joins the Bishops of Canada and the faithful around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away in Rome on Easter Monday, Apr 21, 2025, at the age of 88. In his tribute, ​Bishop McGrattan reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy as a humble shepherd who called the Church to mercy, dialogue, and missionary discipleship.

• We invite you to read the full statement and join us in praying for the repose of his soul.

​Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

​As President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, I extend to you the ancient Orthodox Easter greeting: “Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!”

Each of the Gospel accounts of that first Easter morning presents us with the testimony of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the Beloved Disciple, who encountered the astonishing reality of Christ’s Resurrection. Their despair, sorrow, and sense of loss gave way to newfound hope. The seeds of these Gospel events continue to be sown in our lives today, serving as a sure sign of the Risen Lord’s presence and the power of His Resurrection at work in our world.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis calls upon all the baptized, each with their unique gifts and ministries, to take co-responsibility in ensuring that the many signs of hope bear witness to God’s presence. Each year, our Holy Week celebrations lead us through the proclamation of the Word into the sacramental presence of Christ. This rich spiritual journey invites us to embrace the mysteries of our salvation with renewed faith and devotion. We walk the path of Christ’s Passion and death on the Cross, enter the silence of Holy Saturday, and then rejoice in the hope awakened within us as we renew our baptismal faith at Easter—professing our belief in Christ’s victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

This is the enduring presence of the Risen Christ in the life of the pilgrim Church—a presence illuminated by the Holy Spirit with the light of hope. It is a flame that burns continuously, “like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives” (Spes Non Confundit, no. 3).

May this light of hope, peace, and new life shine through our witness of Easter faith in the ordinary moments of family life, our parishes, schools, and workplaces. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may we proclaim with renewed boldness: “Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!”