A Tribute from the Canadian Bible Society
Attribution: Annett Klingner (Pixabay)
With profound respect and deep sorrow, the Canadian Bible Society mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis—a truly evangelical man, a faithful servant of the Gospel, and a prophetic voice in our time.
Pope Francis was a man of the Bible. His deep love for the Scriptures shaped his ministry and inspired millions across the world to encounter the living Word of God. His preaching and witness were rooted in the truth of the Gospel, and his life reflected the humility, compassion, and courage of Christ himself, whom he faithfully followed.
He was a bridge builder—tirelessly fostering reconciliation in a divided world and opening paths of dialogue across confessional and religious boundaries. His commitment to unity, justice, and peace resonated far beyond the walls of the Catholic Church, inviting all people of goodwill to walk together in hope.
Pope Francis was a friend of the Bible Society movement. He affirmed the vital mission of making the Bible accessible to all people and supported the work of Bible Societies with generosity of spirit and genuine partnership. His appreciation for the mission of Bible translation, distribution, and engagement was unwavering. In 2019, at the International Congress promoted by the Catholic Biblical Federation, Pope Francis said, “…the Bible is not a beautiful collection of sacred books to study – it is the Word of Life to be sown, the gift that the Risen Christ asks to be gathered and distribution so that there may be life in His name (cf. Jn 20: 31)”.
Many Bible Societies around the world serve the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic communities, working closely with priests, bishops, religious educators, and lay leaders to ensure that the Scriptures are present, accessible, and alive in the hearts of the faithful. Pope Francis championed this mission, recognising that the Word of God belongs to all and transforms all who encounter it.
Setting the stage for reconciliation, in a trip to Canada in 2022, the Pope delivered a formal apology for the Catholic Church’s role in the Indian residential school system.
As we give thanks for his life and legacy, we also commit ourselves anew to the values he so beautifully embodied: a passionate love for the Word, Gospel-centered living, humble service, a fearless pursuit of reconciliation, unity in diversity, and the transformative power of the Bible.
May the Lord welcome him with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and may his memory be an encouragement and a blessing for all of us.
Canadian Bible Society
April 2025