The St. Albert Catholic community is remembering the life of Pope Francis after his death at age 88 on April 21.
The Vatican issued a video statement on Easter Monday announcing Francis' passing.
"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," Cardinal Kevin Farrel, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced on April 21.
Father Jack Herklotz, pastor of the St. Albert Parish, remembered him as an outstanding pope and a man of hope.
"I think he pleaded for peace in a badly divided world and I think he made nature and climate change central to his preachings," Herklotz said in an interview. "I think he responded well to the issues of our time."
Francis was an advocate for fighting against climate change, and Herklotz said his willingness and commitment to global issues was important to him.
"He really cautioned us not to be so greedy and strip the forests and mine everything," he said. "He was a man of his time and I think his loss is felt throughout the world."
He said that although there aren't currently any plans for the St. Albert Parish to commemorate Francis' life, there is a "strong contingent here in the Parish that really, really loved Pope Francis."
Herklotz added that although some who felt Francis to be "quite liberal" will maybe hope for the next pope to be more conservative, he hopes the next pope will follow in Francis' footsteps.
"All those kind of qualities that really endeared me to him are the qualities I look for in the new leader," he said.
