On their second cups of coffee, Francis Joannette and Jackie Di Vito – joined by their furry family members – woke before the break of dawn to watch Pope Francis reach his final resting place.
Across Quebec, people set their alarms early to watch as the world bid him a final farewell.
“Just seeing all the people, I mean, this pope, it’s beyond religion,” said Di Vito.
“Looking at the funeral, he’s using a standard casket. He’s not getting buried in the Vatican. He’s really close to the people,” added Joannette.
That humility hit home for Joanette, an ordained deacon who lives in Laval.
“To serve the needy, the poor people, in hospitals, people in jail, the homeless. That was exactly what he wanted us to do,” Joannette said.
In downtown Montreal, many braved the wet weather, filling the pews at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral for a mass in the late pope’s honour.
Joe Khabazeh, who met him just six months ago, said the loss is surreal.
“He gave us his blessing, and we prayed with him at the Vatican that day,” Khabazeh said.
“Here we are today, he went, he left us. But his memory will forever be in our mind.”
Others expressed their sorrow.
“It’s really sad… he was a reformer in the church,” said Alexandre Pomero.
Denis Pelchat added, “I wanted to tell him thank you with prayers today.”
Back in Joanette and Di Vito’s kitchen, the couple reflected on the task ahead for the Catholic Church.
The upcoming papal conclave will select a new pope, tasked with filling the significant shoes left by his predecessor.
“Pope Francis really showed us that inclusion is key to being united and representing a whole united world,” Di Vito said.
They hope whoever comes next will carry forward the light Pope Francis kindled - supporting the poor, promoting peace and protecting the environment.
