Ottawa, Ontario - 8 April 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after learning of the death of His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop Emeritus of Montreal.
“His Eminence was a man of deep principle and service who lived his life according to the Catholic faith. Over a lifetime, his ministering helped thousands including the homeless and the poor, which is why he became known as ‘the people’s priest’ and a shepherd to the people of Montreal.
“Cardinal Turcotte was a priest for 56 years, a bishop for 33 years and a principal advisor to the Pontiff as a Cardinal for 21 years. His Eminence was a former President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and he was a member of the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013.
“Cardinal Turcotte dedicated his life to the Catholic Church and will be remembered for years to come for his compassion, humility, and leadership.”
