The summer air in Edmonton carries a certain poignancy these days as our city prepares to bid farewell to a spiritual leader who has guided local Catholics for nearly two decades. Archbishop Richard W. Smith, whose gentle presence has been woven into the fabric of our community since 2007, will soon depart for Vancouver following his recent appointment by Pope Francis.
I spent yesterday morning at St. Joseph’s Basilica, where parishioners gathered for what many described as a bittersweet Sunday service. The magnificent stained glass windows cast colorful patterns across the pews, where tissue boxes were discretely passed between longtime members.
“He’s been our shepherd through so many challenges,” whispered Margaret Donovan, 72, dabbing at her eyes after Mass. “The pandemic, social changes, difficult conversations – he’s navigated it all with such compassion.”
The appointment, announced earlier this month by the Vatican, elevates Archbishop Smith to lead the Archdiocese of Vancouver, one of Canada’s largest and most diverse Catholic communities. While representing a significant promotion in Catholic hierarchy, the news has stirred mixed emotions throughout Edmonton’s Catholic community.
Father Michael Schumacher, who has worked alongside Archbishop Smith for over a decade, shared his perspective as we spoke in the quiet courtyard behind the basilica. “His leadership style combines deep theological insight with remarkable pastoral sensitivity,” he noted. “Vancouver is gaining someone truly special.”
Archbishop Smith’s tenure in Edmonton spans nearly sixteen years, making him one of the longest-serving Catholic leaders in our city’s history. His work extended far beyond church walls into numerous community initiatives focused on homelessness, refugee resettlement, and interfaith dialogue.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton serves approximately 400,000 Catholics across central Alberta. Under Smith’s guidance, the archdiocese expanded its outreach programs significantly, particularly in response to the Syrian refugee crisis and during the difficult early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi acknowledged the archbishop’s community contributions at last week’s city council meeting. “Archbishop Smith has been an invaluable partner in addressing our city’s most pressing social challenges,” Sohi said. “His collaborative approach has strengthened Edmonton’s interfaith relationships and created meaningful bridges between diverse communities.”
The transition comes at a complex time for the Catholic Church in Canada, as it continues to address its historical role in residential schools and seeks reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Smith has been noted for his direct engagement with these difficult conversations.
“He never shied away from facing our institution’s painful history,” said Indigenous community liaison Teresa Cardinal, who worked with the archbishop on several reconciliation initiatives. “His willingness to listen genuinely and acknowledge hurt marked a different approach than what many expected.”
At 73, Archbishop Smith might have been approaching traditional retirement age for Catholic bishops (typically 75), making this new appointment somewhat surprising to church observers. The Vatican’s decision signals significant confidence in his leadership capabilities.
The timeline for Archbishop Smith’s departure remains somewhat fluid, though diocesan officials expect the transition to occur by early autumn. Cardinal Michael Miller, Vancouver’s current archbishop, will retire after serving since 2009.
Meanwhile, the process for selecting Edmonton’s new archbishop has already begun. According to Vatican protocols, a committee of Canadian bishops will submit recommendations to the Pope, who makes the final appointment. This process typically takes several months.
For everyday Edmontonians like myself who’ve observed Smith’s public role, his departure marks the end of an era characterized by thoughtful engagement with our city’s evolving identity. Whether speaking at interfaith gatherings or volunteering at Hope Mission during Christmas, his presence carried a genuine warmth that transcended religious boundaries.
Last December, I interviewed Smith for our holiday traditions series. What struck me was his reflection on Edmonton’s changing religious landscape. “Faith communities don’t exist in isolation,” he told me, seated beside his modest Christmas tree. “We’re all part of this city’s shared story – our strength comes from understanding an
