Former Calgary Bishop Fred Henry dies at 81
Often outspoken, Henry spent 19 years as Calgary's leading Catholic authority
The former Bishop for the Calgary Roman Catholic Diocese has died. He was 81.
The diocese said in a post on Facebook that Fred Henry passed away at the Rockyview hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
"We entrust Bishop Henry to the Merciful Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and implore the clergy and faithful of our diocese to pray for the repose of his soul," said the post.
Henry retired in 2017 for health reasons and was replaced by Bishop William McGrattan.
In a post on X Tuesday night, former Alberta premier Jason Kenney wrote that Henry was a man of "true authenticity with a huge heart, especially for the weak and vulnerable."
"Terribly saddened by the death of a truly great pastor and friend, who personified servant leadership to the Catholic faithful, and to the broader community," Kenney wrote.
Terribly saddened by the death of a truly great pastor and friend, who personified servant leadership to the Catholic faithful, and to the broader community.<br><br>A man of true authenticity with a huge heart, especially for the weak and vulnerable.<br><br>“Well done, good and faithful… <a href="https://t.co/PRXUeKdsjm">https://t.co/PRXUeKdsjm</a>
—@jkenneyOutspoken and frequently controversial during his 19 years as the city's top Catholic voice, Henry sparred with political leaders over issues including gay marriage, abortion and HPV vaccination in schools.
He made headlines in the spring of 2000 when he voiced his support for striking journalists at the Calgary Herald.
Henry's remarks led Conrad Black, who owned the newspaper at the time, to label the bishop a "jumped-up little twerp."
In 2004, he accused former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin of being a bad Catholic over Martin's support of same-sex marriage and abortion.
In 2014, Henry called Justin Trudeau "Tweedledum-dumb" after the Liberal leader said he expected all caucus members to vote pro-choice on any abortion-related bills in the House of Commons.
And in 2016, the former bishop called the Alberta NDP government's new guidelines for respecting students' gender identity in schools "anti-Catholic" and a form of "totalitarianism."
Born in London, Ont., in 1943, Henry was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of London in 1968.
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of London in 1986, and in 1995 he became Bishop of the Diocese of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Henry was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary in 1998.
An obituary posted by McInnis and Holloway said funeral service details are still being finalized.
With files from Robson Fletcher