Today, the Church in Canada and throughout the world rejoices, as His Eminence Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, O.S.A., after being duly elected by the College of Cardinals, has accepted to become the 267th Bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, and vicar of Christ on earth!

Aujourd’hui, l’Église au Canada et dans le monde entier se réjouit et prie, alors que Son Éminence le Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., qui après avoir été dûment élue par le Collège des cardinaux, a accepté de devenir le 267e évêque de Rome, successeur de saint Pierre et vicaire du Christ sur la terre!

After careful reflection on these matters in the light of faith, we are called to form our consciences prayerfully and to express our convictions through our vote. Let us pray for our country, for all political candidates, and for our fellow citizens. Before casting our ballots, let us pause in personal prayer—perhaps by reciting the Lord’s Prayer—and ask God’s blessing upon those who will be elected to lead our nation.

Après une réflexion attentive à ces questions sous l’éclairage de la foi, nous sommes appelés à former nos consciences dans la prière et à exprimer nos convictions par notre vote. Prions pour notre pays, pour tous les candidats et candidates aux élections et pour nos concitoyens et concitoyennes. Avant de déposer nos bulletins de vote, prenons un moment de prière personnelle — peut-être en récitant le Notre Père — et demandons la bénédiction de Dieu sur ceux et celles qui seront élus pour diriger notre nation.

"Canadian Catholics are being called upon as citizens to exercise their right to vote...The important time leading up to an election also provides Canadians with the opportunity to interact with fellow voters, one’s neighbours, and the candidates themselves (particularly during their visits to neighbourhoods), raising awareness about the values, views, and concerns shared by Catholics across the country." (Voting as Catholics: 2019 Federal Election Guide, CCCB). For resources to help prepare for the 2025 Federal Election, click here.

I would like to invite you to Holy Hour Vigil at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday April 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm, as faithful throughout the world anticipate the funeral Mass for Pope Francis on Saturday April 26, 2025 in Rome. On Tuesday, April 29, at 7:00 pm there will be a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis at the Cathedral that I will preside. I encourage you to participate in any other prayers and devotions that are being offered in your parish. With deep confidence that the Lord turns all sorrow into joy, we give thanks for the gift of Pope Francis to the Church and pray that he will be hastily received into the arms of the Father whom he loved so dearly in life.

In this time of grief, I invite the Catholic faithful to join their local Ordinary and their pastoral ministers in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Let us give thanks to God for giving us such a good shepherd, an eloquent teacher of the joy of the Gospel, a humble witness, and a fellow pilgrim of hope. May the love and hope that Pope Francis found in the Risen Lord continue to radiate through our lives, and may he receive the reward promised to good and faithful servants who were heralds of the Good News of the Kingdom of God.