elected Pope Francis. Nicole Fournier, who led the Accueil Bonneau organization for the homeless, said that he "watched over people with a look that was never judgmental, ... (and) supported many social causes, especially those touching the less fortunate, notably the homeless." John Allen wrote in the 2002 book Conclave that Turcotte was seen as a "diamond in the rough, a potentially magnificent leader who is still finding his way." His lack of proficiency in the Italian language, as well as his lack of international experience, were seen as shortcomings. Death Turcotte died at the age of 78 in Montreal on 8 April 2015. Views Abortion In 2007, Turcotte presided over the funeral of Supreme Court judge Antonio Lamer, who controversially decided to remove all restrictions to abortion in Tremblay v. Daigle in 1989. At the funeral, Turcotte praised Lamer as "a giant of the law" and a man "who worked a great deal for justice". He was not, however, directly addressing the subject of abortion when he spoke those words. On 11 September 2008, Turcotte returned his Order of Canada (appointed in 1996) insignia in protest of the induction of pro-choice activist Henry Morgentaler on 1 July 2008. Turcotte had hoped that the Consultative Council for the Order of Canada, but when it did not, Turcotte renounced his title Officer of the Order of Canada and returned his insignia. This became effective on 1 June 2009. In 2009, Turcotte said in an interview that "I can understand that in certain cases, there is almost no other choice than to practice (abortion)", which was seen as controversial in light of his previous condemnation of Morgentaler. Political ties In 2004, he criticized statements by former minister Sheila Copps about Turcotte's relationship with Pierre Trudeau. He had been present at the state funeral of the former Prime Minister. Women's ordination Turcotte refused to accept the ordination of women after a local synod proposed the idea. Brian Boucher controversy On 25 November 2020, a report was released detailing how a Catholic church-commissioned investigation led by Quebec Superior Court justice Pepita Capriolo found that Turcotte was among the former Archdiocese of Montreal officials who took no action against pedophile priest Brian Boucher after receiving reports Boucher sexually abused boys. Boucher later pled guilty in January 2019 to sex abuse charges and received an eight-year prison sentence. References External links Cardinal Turcotte on catholic-pages.com Cardinal