Montreal cardinal was devoted to helping poor
MONTREAL— Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, who oversaw the funerals of NHL great Maurice (Rocket) Richard and former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau during his 22 years as archbishop of Montreal, died early Wednesday after a lengthy illness. He was 78.
The Montreal native was hospitalized in the summer of 2014 and was admitted to a palliative care unit last March 24.
A statement from the archdiocese of Montreal said Turcotte died at Marie-Clarac Hospital in the city.
The current Archbishop of Montreal remembered his predecessor as a man who always respected the liberty of others while simultaneously maintaining his own beliefs.
“He was always welcoming to people, whatever their background, whatever their opinions, whatever their faith or beliefs, but at the same time he had his convictions,” Christian Lepine said in an interview.
Turcotte had two main issues he loved to engage in: discussion of Christ and a desire to help the poor.
“Even in the last few months of his life, when I was going to see him, he was always speaking about Jesus Christ, so it was really clear he had Jesus Christ in his bones,” he said. “But also the poor. He always had an interest in the poor, supporting the poor, supporting the organizations or institutions that organize themselves to help the poor.”
Pope Francis expressed his condolences in a statement.
“As we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, I ask him to welcome into the light of eternal life this faithful priest who served the church with devotion,” the statement said.
The hospital’s chief doctor praised the way Turcotte faced death.
“Rarely do you see such dignity in someone who is dying,” said Maria Karas. “He always had a magnificent little smile . . . he had faith. The cardinal really died with dignity.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his condolences, saying Turcotte will be remembered for his compassion, humility and leadership.
“His Eminence was a man of deep principle and service who lived his life according to the Catholic faith,” Harper said in a statement.
“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.”
Turcotte studied at College AndreGrasset before obtaining his theology degree at the Grand Seminary of Montreal. He was ordained a priest in May 1959 and occupied several pastoral functions before being named Bishop of Montreal in June 1982.
Turcotte grabbed headlines in 2008 when he returned his Order of Canada to protest the decision to bestow the honour on Dr. Henry Morgentaler, the well-known abortion pioneer.
“You make him a national hero while what he defends offends very deeply and causes indignation among a significant portion of the population,” Turcotte said.
“There are limits and I have to protest this.”
In March 1990, Pope Jean-Paul II named Turcotte Archbishop of Montreal. He became a cardinal in October 1994.
Turcotte took part in two conclaves that chose the successors to popes, Jean-Paul II and Benedict XVI.
The funeral will take place April 17.