Still no joy in Canadian searches.
I found an 1893 Kelly's Directory for Devon that mentions a John Pope carved an oak pulpit in Buckfastleigh. We know a number of popes were carpenters, turners and woodworkers.
The carver John Pope was listed ass "the late John Pope".
The death in Canada that is close:
Name: John Pope
Gender: Male
Age: 78
Birth Date: abt 1814
Birth Place: England
Death Date: 28 Dec 1892
Death Place: Northumberland, Ontario, Canada
Religion: Church of England
Cause of Death: Old Age & Dropsy
He was listed a a Gardener. Informant was William Heattie. That name not connected as far as found thus far.
US records have revealed nothing close this far.
I find a John Pope -Cordwainer in the 1851 Census
Name: John Pope
Address: Village, Crediton
Enumeration District: Coldridge Credi
County: Devonshire
Birth Place: Coldridge, Devonshire, England
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Relationship: Appr
Marriage Status: Unmarried
Occupation: Cordwainer App
He appears to be with a Molland family. Unable to view the document
Name: James Molland
Address: Village, Crediton
Enumeration District: Coldridge Credi
County: Devonshire
Birth Place: Ashreigney, Devonshire, England
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Relationship: Head
Marriage Status: Married
Occupation: Cordwainer Emp 1 Man
No sign of him in 1861 census as a cordwainer or shoemaker