Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall

The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

April 21, 2025

The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall joins Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope and was the first from the Americas. Throughout his 12 years of papal ministry, he inspired the faithful through his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, especially in service to the poor and marginalized.

Pope Francis’s leadership transformed the Church, championing mercy, dialogue, and social justice. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he addressed the faithful from the loggia and enjoyed a tour of St. Peter’s Square, blessing the many present.

The archdiocese invites all to join in prayer for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul and for the Church as it enters this time of mourning and transition.

Further details regarding local commemorations and opportunities for prayer will be communicated as they become available.

For media inquiries, please contact:

François Lanthier

Director of Communications

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall

francois.lanthier@ottawacornwall.ca

613-738-5025 ext. 239

Sample Will Wording and Charity Number

It is important that your Will include the correct legal name and charitable registration number in your documents. The legal name for the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is:

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC EPISCOPAL CORPORATION OF OTTAWA-CORNWALL Charitable Registration # 128967353 RR0001

Your parish office is able provide you with the legal name for your own parish. However, most Archdiocesan parishes and programs can be designated in your Will as:

The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of OTTAWA-CORNWALL, for the benefit of [ Specific Parish, Cemetery, Ministry or Program ] in [ Town / City ].

You may also consider the following clauses in your Will:

For your parish:

“To pay to (Legal Name of Parish) Roman Catholic Parish for its own use absolutely, the sum of (amount) dollars. I declare that the receipt of the person professing to be the Pastor or Parochial Administrator of the parish shall be sufficient discharge to my Trustee who need not see to the application thereof. I further direct that if the (Name of Parish) does not exist at the time of my death, this bequest shall be paid to the Parish’s successor, and if no such successor exists, then to an institution with similar objectives and goals.”

Making a Declaration

Please email dev@ottawacornwall.ca to make a declaration that you have included the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall or any for its parishes in your Estate Plans.

Welcome to the Archdiocese

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