Smith, Most Rev. Richard William

Richard W. Smith was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 28, 1959. He studied at St. Mary’s University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax in 1985.

Ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1987 for the Archdiocese of Halifax, he pursued further studies in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and earned a licentiate degree in 1993 and a doctorate in 1998.

Within the Archdiocese of Halifax, he served in a number of positions including vicar general and he was responsible for the pastoral ministry of French-speaking Catholics in Halifax. He served as chaplain to the deaf community in Halifax from 1986-1991. He was also a professor of theology at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario in addition to serving simultaneously as pastor of three communities.

In April 27, 2002 by Pope St. John Paul II, appointed him Bishop of Pembroke in Ontario. He received his episcopal consecration on June 18th that same year from Archbishop Marcel Gervais, with Archbishops Terrence Prendergast, S.J., and Austin-Emile Burke serving as co-consecrators.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to the Metropolitan See of Edmonton on March 22, 2007 and was formally installed as seventh Archbishop of Edmonton on May 1, 2007, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of the Edmonton Archdiocese. He has taken the motto “Fiat Voluntas Tua” (Thy Will Be Done).

Archbishop Smith served as General Co-ordinator of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada, July 24 – 29, 2022. The Holy Father’s pilgrimage focused on Indigenous healing and reconciliation while also providing him the opportunity to encounter the faithful in Canada.

On February 25, 2025, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Richard W. Smith as Archbishop of Vancouver.