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Clergy processing into a church, led by a priest wearing a white robe and a multicoloured stole, followed by bishops in liturgical vestments; parishioners look on from the pews.
Bishop (then Archdeacon) Michele (Michael) Pollesel (right) at a service in the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba in 2011. Behind him are Archbishop Fred Hiltz and Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio. Andrea Mann

Remembering Michele (Michael) Pollesel

Published on 
November 26, 2025

The Anglican Church of Canada mourns the loss of the Rt. Rev. Michele (Michael) Pollesel, retired Anglican Bishop of Uruguay, who died on November 21, 2025. He was General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada from 2006 to 2011.

He will be remembered for his servant leadership, kindness and strength. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French, during his time as General Secretary he helped forge a closer relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba.

Bishop Pollesel’s family and friends are held in prayer by Anglicans across Canada.

Explore related topic areas: obituaries and memorials

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.