Mr. Speaker, this Christmas season, our Catholic community here in Canada and around the world was blessed to begin this period of prayer and preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ at the heart of St. Peter's Basilica, when Pope Francis inducted 21 new members into the College of Cardinals. Among them was one of our very own, His Eminence Cardinal Frank Leo of the Archdiocese of Toronto. It was a proud moment for Canadian Catholics and for our proud Italian Canadian community.
Born in Montreal to immigrant Italian parents, Cardinal Leo is one of the youngest cardinals serving the Holy Mother Church and courageously shepherding Christ's flock. As he witnesses the Church in today's world, Cardinal Leo finds strength in prayer; he anticipates that “the Lord wants to pour out generously into our hearts many graces”.
May this sacred moment inspire us to live with renewed purpose and generosity throughout the Christmas season and the upcoming Jubilee 2025, declared by Pope Francis. I send my congratulations to Cardinal Leo and our entire Catholic community. Buon Natale and merry Christmas to everyone.