Rosanne Casimir standing beside Pope Francis at the Vatican City March 31, 2022. (Image Credit: Vatican)

By Victor Kaisar

Pope Francis

Tkemlúps mourns passing of Pope Francis; hopes successor will continue journey of reconciliation

Apr 21, 2025 | 5:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Chief of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc has released a statement offering “comfort and much condolences” to people who are grieving following the death of Pope Francis.

“On behalf of Tkemlúps te Secwépemc we extend heartfelt condolences and collective prayers for the soul of Pope Francis,” the statement from Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir said.

“We honour his journey to be welcomed by the Creator.”

Casimir’s statement referenced the 2022 Papal visit to Canada that saw Francis formally apologize for the legacy of residential schools on Canadian soil. That apology came months after a meeting in Rome between the Pope and a delegation of Indigenous Canadians that included Casimir.

“I hold my hands up to him for his humility, courage, and commitment to reconciliation,” Casimir said.

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“His apology acknowledged the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse inflicted by the Church. He also denounced the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius. These steps, while symbolic, had profound emotional and spiritual impact for many.”

Casimir also referenced the signing of a Sacred Covenant between Tkemlúps te Secwépemc and the Catholic Church on Easter Sunday last year, the details of which were released on National Indigenous Peoples Day three months later.

Tkemlúps marked the one-year anniversary of that signing on Easter Sunday this year (April 20), where Casimir says she shared a message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

“In his words, the Pope sent ‘cordial greetings; and prayers for all present,” Casimir said. “He reflected on his 2022 visit and reminded us of the need to ‘walk together, pray together, and work together.’ Those words carry the power of unity and responsibility.”

“As we look to the future, we also reflect on the transition now underway within the Catholic Church. We are grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership and example. We now look to the next Pope to continue this journey with humility and action.”

Casimir said that journey needs to include a clear mandate for all dioceses to work with First Nations to support reparations not just through words but by meaningful investment in language and cultural revitalization. She said it needs to address among other things colonial structures like the Papal Bulls, the repatriation of sacred items, support for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, and a firm stand against denialism.

“This moment is not just about a single leader it is about the journey of all people and the shared responsibility of institutions, nations, and communities,” Casimir said. “I am proud to have walked this path alongside so many brave survivors, youth, and leaders.”

“Together, we have made history. And together, we will continue walking the path toward truth, justice, and healing.”