The first place Pope Francis went during his pastoral visit to Canada in 2022 was Maskwacis, and Archbishop Richard Smith hopes people recognize the significance of that decision.
"Normally, when a pope goes to a country, he meets first with the head of state, he meets the diplomats, he has all these receptions. Not this time. He went first directly to the Indigenous Peoples. His first words were that famous, heartfelt apology and he signalled right then and there at Maskwacis and then subsequently, that the Indigenous people were his priority," said Archbishop Richard Smith while speaking to the media following the announcement of the death of Pope Francis who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
During his historic visit in 2022, Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous people and implored forgiveness for the evils committed by many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples in Canada in the residential school system.
Smith, who was the Archbishop of Edmonton and is now the Archbishop-Elect of Vancouver, said it was an extraordinary blessing to have known Pope Francis and hoped those in his presence in Maskwacis will always remember how much they were loved by the pope.
"He held them in his heart and I hope they realize how precious really they were to the pope but also by extension, in the eyes of almighty God," Smith said.
"I saw it personally, we all saw it. He wore his heart on his sleeve and you could just tell his heart bled for anybody that was suffering or in need. He didn't hesitate to make his voice known on their behalf, to advocate for them."
Smith, who made plans to visit Maskwacis prior to the pope's death, will be there on Wednesday to continue the work of reconciliation. In Alberta, an Indigenous Reconciliation Fund has been used to fund 35 projects aimed at healing and cultural preservation.
"Reconciliation really happens one relationship at a time. The more that we can do, I personally, other people in the church personally, the more reconciliation will go forward," said Smith who also recently met with chiefs in the Enoch area.
He said Pope Francis brought the impact of the residential school system to the attention of Canadians and internationally, and he made it very, very clear to his bishops that it was on them to continue to walk with Indigenous Peoples, to listen to their stories, and take every opportunity to reconcile.
Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta was honoured to welcome Pope Francis in 2022, a visit that brought moments of worship, reflection and an important step toward healing.
"His meeting with Indigenous leaders and his apology for the legacy of residential schools were acts of humility and reconciliation – reminders that faith calls us to forgiveness," the premier said in a statement.
“His Holiness Pope Francis devoted himself to guiding nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide with humility and compassion. We join with Catholics across our province and the world in mourning Pope Francis, reflecting on a life dedicated to God and to the service of others."
Alberta New Democrat leader Naheed Nenshi said in a statement on X that he was saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, but also deeply grateful for the pope's life of extraordinary service.
"I know that many Catholics in Alberta will remember with deep faith and love his 2022 visit here, including his recognition of the harm of residential schools. My heart is with you all," said Nenshi.
"Thank you, Pope Francis, for exemplifying seva — selfless service. Your life has been a blessing for all of humanity."
Cardinals will assemble in Rome in the coming weeks to chose the next pope.
The archbishop said every pope is unique, but there will be an abiding hope that there will be a continuation of the outreach which was a focus for Pope Francis.
He added that Pope Francis broke the mould by choosing cardinals from all around the world. They come from different perspectives, shaped by their own cultures, which adds to that "sense of wonderment of who it could be."
