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Father Emmett Johns, the street-smart Roman Catholic priest who founded Le Bon Dieu dans la rue in 1988, died peacefully on Saturday in a retirement home. He was 89.

Johns, who was dubbed “Pops” by the street kids he befriended, founded a mission that provides shelter, support and hope to Montreal’s homeless and marginalized youth.

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He was a force of nature, and one of the few Quebecers who managed to rally everyone to his cause, said Étienne Lalonde, a spokesperson for Dans la rue. “He destigmatized the problem of homeless youth,” Lalonde said on Sunday night. “Before Pops, no one talked about it.”

Four hours after his death was announced on Facebook, more than 500 people had replied to the post, offering condolences or sharing stories about how Johns had helped them get off the street.

In a post on its Facebook page, the organization said: “Dans la rue’s mission remains strongly rooted in Pops’ philosophy of dedication, empathy, and respect. His enduring legacy is one of acceptance without judgment and this legacy will continue to inspire and to guide the staff and volunteers at Dans la rue as they carry on his important work.”