National Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada has shared a message of sympathy following the death of Pope Francis.
A PDF of the full message can be downloaded here.
April 22, 2025
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:20
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) gives thanks for the life and witness of Pope Francis and joins with people around the world in grieving his death. We offer our heartfelt condolences to members of the Roman Catholic church.
In 2022, Pope Francis made a penitential pilgrimage to Canada to apologize for abuses experienced at residential schools that resulted in cultural destruction, loss of life, and ongoing trauma lived by Indigenous Peoples in every region of this country. In June 2015, he released Laudato si’, the first-ever papal document on the environment. His participation alongside the Lutheran World Federation in a joint ecumenical commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation on Oct. 31, 2016 and his work to advance the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification left a lasting impression on Lutherans. Grateful for his witness, the ELCIC is committed to continuing work on these important issues of healing and transformation.
Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday is a lasting reminder of his deep faith and of God’s promises rooted in the resurrection of Christ. We pray for comfort and encouragement for the global Roman Catholic community during this time of mourning. We also pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the deliberations of the College of Cardinals as they begin the process of selecting a new pope.
Rest eternal grant him, O God; and let light perpetual shine upon him.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
