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Pope Francis says he is in Canada to express his sorrow and ask for forgiveness for residential schools
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Jul 25, 2022 • 16 minutes ago • 8 minute read • Join the conversation Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia Network
A woman gets emotional during the apology from Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, who made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia Network
Emotions were high during the apology from Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, who made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Members of the clergy listen to the apology from Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, who made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, prays at Ermineskin Cemetery in Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. The pontiff delivered an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Jagmeet Singh, federal NDP leader, was in attendance to hear Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, deliver an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. The pontiff made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, was in attendance to hear Pope Francis, the current head of the Catholic Church, deliver an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools in Canada. The pontiff made a penitential pilgrimage to Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday July 25, 2022, his first stop on his tour of Canada which will also include Quebec and Nunavut. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia
Pope Francis wears a headdress presented to him by Indigenous leaders during a meeting at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” ( Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis wears a headdress presented to him by Indigenous leaders during a meeting at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis apologizes to indigenous people for the residential school system in Canada during his visit to Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by TODD KOROL /REUTERS
Pope Francis meets with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis meets with Indigenous leaders at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis (C) meets with Indigenous leaders at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Indigenous leaders arrive to meet with Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
A member of the Indigenous community dances before a meeting with Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis (C) meets with the indigenous community in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, western Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis meets with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis meets with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis (C) meets with the indigenous community in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, western Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks (C) to members of the Indigenous community at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to meet with Indigenous leaders at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis (C) meets with Indigenous leaders at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis meets with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis meets with Indigenous leaders at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Members of the Indigenous community look on as Pope Francis arrives at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Indigenous community members await the arrival of Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Indigenous community members await the arrival of Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Indigenous community members hold a flag reading “Standing Rock Sioux Tribe” as they await the arrival of Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to attend a silent prayer at the cemetery during his meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by AMBER BRACKEN /REUTERS
Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis goes down the street with indigenous elders during his visit to Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by TODD KOROL /REUTERS
Chief Tony Alexis, of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nations, prepares to participate in the traditional entrance of Indigenous leaders (Grand Entry of Chiefs) ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis, at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Chief Tony Alexis, of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nations, prepares to participate in the traditional entrance of Indigenous leaders (Grand Entry of Chiefs), ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis, at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a “penitential journey.” Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis attends a silent prayer at the cemetery during his meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis attends a silent prayer at the cemetery during his meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis attends a silent prayer at the cemetery during his meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Pope Francis visits the Ermineskin cemetery in Maskwacis, south of Edmonton, western Canada, on July 25, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologise to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis attends a silent prayer at the cemetery during his meeting with First Nations, Metis and Inuit indigenous communities in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
A view of graves ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to the cemetery in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
A view of graves ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to the cemetery in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada July 25, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Indigenous community members hold a flag as they await the arrival of Pope Francis at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Dennis Lightning (R) offers a smudge ceremony with Buffalo sage to an indigenous community member before the papal visit at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Dennis Lightning offers a smudge ceremony with Buffalo sage to an indigenous community member before the papal visit at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Wayne Carlick, residential school survivor, cultural coordinator, elder and language speaker of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, stands for a portrait before the papal visit at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Wayne Carlick, residential school survivor, cultural coordinator, elder and language speaker of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, stands for a portrait before the papal visit at Muskwa Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, on July 25, 2022. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
This photograph taken on July 23, 2022, shows historical photographs of the Ermineskin Indian Residential School displayed with tipis in the background in Maskwacis, Alberta, on July 23, 2022, ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Canada. – Pope Francis is expected to offer an apology to Indigenous peoples for more than a century of abuses at state schools run by the church in Canada. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
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MASKWACIS — Pope Francis says he is sorry for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in cultural destruction and forced assimilation of Indigenous people, which culminated in residential schools.
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Francis apologized Monday in front of residential school survivors and elders in Maskwacis, Alta., south of Edmonton after visiting the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School.
He received applause from many in the crowd of thousands.
“I am sorry. I ask forgiveness, in particular, for the ways in which many members of the church and of religious communities co-operated, not least through their indifference, in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time, which culminated in the system of residential schools,” Francis said through a translator.
Francis spoke in Spanish, his first language, and it was translated into English by a priest. Translations were also available in several Indigenous languages.
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‘Walking toward forgiveness’: Pope Francis arrives in Edmonton 
Photos: Pope Francis arrives in Edmonton 
Live Updates: Pope Francis arrives in Edmonton Sunday “I am deeply sorry” Pope Francis told the crowd. “Sorry for the ways in which regrettably many Christians supported the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the Indigenous peoples — I am sorry.
“In the face of this deplorable evil, the Church kneels before God and implores his forgiveness for the sins of her children. I, myself, wish to reaffirm this with shame and unambiguously, I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples.”
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The Pope said he feels sorrow, indignation and shame. He said begging forgiveness is the first step and there must be a serious investigation into what took place.
Francis also called the overall effects of the policies linked to residential schools “catastrophic.”
An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse were rampant.
More than 60 per cent of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.
— The Canadian Press
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2:45 p.m. Watch: Treaty Six Chiefs and Survivors media availability
I did not livetweet the Q&A portion of the media avail. But I would really encourage people to watch what the Treaty 6 chiefs and elders had to say, especially if you’ve just watched the Pope’s apology. Take in their knowledge and perspectives. https://t.co/K25Cg8GBQ6
— Madeline Smith (@meksmith) July 25, 2022 Advertisement 5
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Article content 12:30 p.m. Alberta Métis ‘appreciate’ Pope’s apology, call on feds to release residential school records
By Craig Gilbert
Pope Francis greets Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta as he begins his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, said Monday she appreciates the apology Pope Francis issued for the Catholic Church’s role in the “horrors of the residential and day school program.”
But in a statement issued Monday afternoon, she said, as the Pope did, that an apology is only a beginning.
Poitras called on the federal government and the Church to release records from the schools and “to hold to account all those who committed these atrocities against our children and our communities.
“Five generations of Indigenous children in Canada were forcibly removed from their homes. That level of trauma, unimaginable to many others, will take generations to heal. This can only happen if the Church and the Government of Canada commit to providing resources for mental health, education, nutrition and more.”
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Poitras also called on the federal government to stop “court battles” with residential school survivors, ensure clean drinking water is widely available and to “embrace a nation-to-nation relationship with all Indigenous peoples and their duly elected representatives.”
12:15 p.m. Pope invites Chief of Alberta First Nation stripped of band status to Sacred Heart visit
By Craig Gilbert
The under construction Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, in Edmonton Monday July 18, 2022. The church was heavily damaged in an Aug. 30, 2020 fire, and is being restored ahead of a visit by Pope Francis. Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia
The chief of Papaschase First Nation says he’s looking forward to greeting Pope Francis at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton Monday afternoon.
The community lost its official status when its leadership signed an adhesion to Treaty 6 in 1877, according to Chief Calvin Bruneau, whose grandmother was abused at a residential school.
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“Reconciliation is not a grand act, declaration, or gesture; it’s a journey. Every step forward matters” Bruneau said in a news release. “As Chief of a Nation whose ancestors and descendants have been scarred beyond what words can describe by colonial injustices and the horrors of residential schools, I am hopeful that the Pope’s visit will include a meaningful apology, a genuine effort to hear and understand our pain and aspirations, and commitments to concrete, corrective action. In doing so, there is opportunity for another important step on our path towards justice and healing.”
Bruneau said the invitation to Sacred Heart signifies “an important recognition by the Catholic Church and Pope Francis” as Papaschase continues to work to regain its status and Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
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Chief Bruneau will be joined at the event by Fernie Marty, a descendant and Elder of Papaschase First Nation, elder for Sacred Heart Church, and survivor of the Beaver Crossing day school.
‘It should have happened 40 years ago’ 
Chief Calvin Bruneau taken on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam /Greg Southam
Speaking to Postmedia following the Pope’s address, Chief Bruneau said he had mixed feelings about it.
“On one hand is good to apologize, but they left out specific details in there that people wanted to hear,” said Bruneau, noting there was no specific mention of genocide, nor the Doctrine of Discovery – a legal framework that empowered European Christian colonization, something many have called on the Pope to renounce.
“It should have happened 40 years ago,” said Bruneau of the apology. “Having it done now is good, but it’s just long overdue, and there’s lots of people, and elders, who have passed on, that were waiting for this day but they never got the chance to hear this apology.”
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Chief Bruneau said it’s important Indigenous leaders continue to press the Vatican, and the Pope, to renounce the Doctrine that allowed for assimilation and abuse.
“As long as the Pope continues to look at reconciliation with Indigenous people, especially here in Edmonton, he’s welcome into Treaty Six territory and Papaschase territory.”
Bruneau is scheduled to greet Pope Francis at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton Monday afternoon.
11:40 a.m. Premier Jason Kenney comments on Pope apology
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney issued a statement Monday in response to Pope Francis’ apology for the Catholic church’s role in the residential school system.
“This historic apology by Pope Francis today at Maskwacis builds upon decades of truth and reconciliation efforts,” Kenney said. “It represents a truly historic moment in confronting the dark history of residential schools and Alberta is honoured to have it take place here.
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“Albertans are committed to partnership with Indigenous Peoples for the flourishing of their communities. The presence of Pope Francis in our province invites us to renew that commitment in light of his encouragement to heal the wounds of the past.”
Sunday Crowd gathers along Ellerslie Road to greet Pope Francis Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image
Pope Francis’s plane, an ITA Airways A330, taxis to deplane the pontiff as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
The papal coat of arms is seen on Pope Francis’s plane, an ITA Airways A330, as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis’s papal seguito (entourage) deplane from an ITA Airways A330 as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
The Vatican press corps deplane as Pope Francis’s plane as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left), Governor General of Canada Mary Simon (centre) and her partner Whit Fraser arrive before Pope Francis lands in Canada to starts his papal visit at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right) speaks with Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations Grand Chief George Arcand Jr. as Pope Francis’s plane arrives as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets members of the official welcoming party as he begin his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta as he begins his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets Gerald Antoine, regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations, as he starts his his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis is helped to his wheelchair as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Pope Francis, at 85, traveled from Italy to Canada to apologize for the treatment of Indigenous peoples by the Church. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Soldiers with 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group greet Pope Francis as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets members of the official welcoming party as he begin his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pope Francis and Governor General of Canada Mary Simon are seen as the pontiff starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis is greeted by Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Grand Chief George Arcand during a welcome ceremony at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24, 2022. Photo by AMBER BRACKEN /REUTERS
Pope Francis (C), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) and the Governor General of Canada Mary Simon take part in a welcoming ceremony for the Pope at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta Providence, Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis attends his welcoming ceremony at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta Providence, Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis is welcomed by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after arriving at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24, 2022. Photo by Guglielmo Mangiapane /Reuters
Pope Francisattends his welcoming ceremony at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta Providence, Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, western Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Indigenous musicians play for Pope Francis during a welcoming ceremony for the Pope at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, western Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks with member of an indigenous tribe during his welcoming ceremony at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta Providence, Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. ( Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis attends a welcome ceremony at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24, 2022. Photo by AMBER BRACKEN /REUTERS
The Logan Alexis Singers from Alexis Nation welcome Pope Francis next to an honour guard from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group as he starts his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis greets members of the official welcoming party as he begin his papal visit in Canada after landing at Edmonton International Airport, on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A brief welcome ceremony greeted the head of the Catholic Church before he headed into Edmonton accompanied by his papal seguito (entourage). Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
Pope Francis is welcomed after arriving at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24, 2022. Photo by GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE /REUTERS
Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations Grand Chief George Arcand attends a welcome ceremony for Pope Francis at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24, 2022. Photo by AMBER BRACKEN /REUTERS
Pope Francis, next to Governor General of Canada Mary Simon (R), attends his welcoming ceremony at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, western Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis meets a member of an indigenous tribe during his welcoming ceremony at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, western Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to his welcoming ceremony after landing at Edmonton International Airport, western Canada, on July 24, 2022. – Pope Francis visits Canada for a chance to personally apologize to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over a span of decades at residential schools run by the Catholic Church. Photo by VINCENZO PINTO /AFP via Getty Images
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A crowd of well-wishers gathers along Ellerslie Road over Gateway Boulevard to watch Pope Francis as his motorcade arrives in Edmonton on Sunday, July 24, 2022. A crowd of well-wishers gathered along Ellerslie Road over Gateway Boulevard to watch Pope Francis as his motorcade arrived in Edmonton on Sunday.
“It’s, like, once-in-a-lifetime to meet the Pope,” said Caroline Puyat, a Catholic, who was one of about 40 people gathered along the overpass. “It’s really important that he’s coming over here for healing and reconciliation and hope.”
“He’s one of the most famous people in the world so why wouldn’t you come out and have a look and see what it’s all about,” said Brian Rothwell, who said he’s not a Catholic himself but that the Pope’s trip is an important one.
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“I think that it’s needed,” said Rothwell. “I think coming from a top level like that means a lot to the Indigenous people, really.”
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The Alberta government issued a statement welcoming Pope Francis to the province timed to coincide with the scheduled landing of the pontiff’s flight at Edmonton International Airport, about 11:20 a.m. Sunday.
“It is a great honour to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Alberta on his pilgrimage of prayer, penitence, healing and reconciliation,” Premier Jason Kenney said in the release. “While his presence among us is of historic significance to Alberta Catholics, the papal visit is a blessing for all Albertans, beginning with Indigenous Peoples.
“Edmonton, our capital, is proud to host a third papal visit and the first visit of Pope Francis to Canada.”
Kenney said Pope John Paul II’s visit to Fort Simpson, in the southwest of the Northwest Territories, in 1987 could be viewed as an “initial step toward reconciliation before we even knew the full need for it.
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“The painful legacy of residential schools, which is the focus of this papal visit to Alberta, requires both expressions of remorse and concrete actions,” Kenney continued. “The visit of Pope Francis is both, and the Province of Alberta is proud to host it.
“May it be an occasion of both truth and reconciliation, to which the government and people of Alberta are committed.”
11 a.m. Pope Francis arrives at EIA
By The Canadian Press
EDMONTON — Pope Francis has arrived in Edmonton to start his six-day visit in Canada.
The tour is aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous people for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools.
The Pope has said he hopes the “penitential” trip will contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
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The 85-year-old, who is to use a wheelchair throughout the tour, is also scheduled to travel to Quebec City and Iqaluit.
Francis is to be greeted at the Edmonton airport by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, as well as other church, Indigenous and political dignitaries.
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Below is a rundown of the Pope’s itinerary while in Alberta
Monday — July 25
In the morning, the Pope will travel south to Maskwacis, arriving at 9:45 a.m., where he’ll visit the former Ermineskin Residential School. He’s scheduled to spend about two hours in the community before travelling back to Edmonton.
There will again be rolling closures of parts of the QEII as well as on Highway 2A and along Highway 611 throughout the day.
At 4:45 p.m., Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive at the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Downtown Edmonton for an hour-long visit. Various nearby roads will be closed off.
Tuesday — July 26
Doors at Commonwealth Stadium will open at 7:30 a.m. ahead of the Pope’s 9:30 a.m. open-air mass. Organizers say attendees must be in their seats no later than 8:15 a.m. when the program begins.
That afternoon, the Pope will travel to Lac Ste. Anne, arriving at the pilgrimage site just before 5 p.m. He is scheduled to remain there for about an hour before returning to Edmonton.
Highways 16 and 633 are among those affected by rolling closures throughout the afternoon.
Wednesday — July 27
Pope Francis will make an early-morning trip to the airport ahead of a scheduled 9 a.m. departure.
Once again, parts of the QEII will be restricted as the motorcade travels to the airport.
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