Statement from York Region Chairman Eric Jolliffe on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, I extend our deepest condolences to Catholics in our community and around the world on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis brought a humble and grounded perspective to the papacy – shaped by a deep connection to everyday people and a lifelong commitment to service. As the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas, his service to the church was marked by a profound commitment to compassion, humility and social justice. He championed the causes of the marginalized, advocated for environmental stewardship and sought to bridge divides between faiths and communities. 

Pope Francis’ influence reached far beyond the Catholic Church. He opened doors to meaningful dialogue across cultures, faiths and generations – reminding us of the power of listening with compassion and leading with conviction. His calls for action on issues like poverty, climate change and social justice challenged the global community to strive for a more equitable and united world. 

As we mourn his passing on this Easter Monday, we honour his legacy of service and enduring impact of his leadership. 

May he rest in peace. 

Eric Jolliffe
York Region Chairman and CEO
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