Pope Francis will visit Canada from July 24-30. Stations are planned in Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit on the Arctic Ocean. Natives are demanding an apology from the Pope for the injustice meted out to children in schools living on Canadian soil.

The focus of the visit to Canada is on conversations between the head of the Church and the indigenous representatives of the First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit. The Pope is also visiting the Maskavasis community and wants to take part in the pilgrimage to the traditional Feast of St. Anne in Lac Sainte Anne.

Residential school

Alumni from the so-called residential schools play a major role in the Pope’s visit. In these, indigenous children were plundered, abused and abused from their culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Indigenous people are demanding an apology from the pope on Canadian soil for the involvement of the church, which runs a large number of these boarding schools. When several indigenous delegations went to Rome at the end of March, Francis had already apologized.

Mass at Edmonton Stadium

Also planned are visits courtesy of Governor General Mary May Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; As well as meetings with local clergy and members of the Jesuit order. In addition, Pope Francis will celebrate a major Mass at Edmonton Stadium on July 26. The sports facility houses 65,000 people.

Nevertheless, the daily schedule is much clearer than in previous papal visits – after the morning appointment, the program usually continues into the afternoon. Francis’ age and health make this necessary. (CIC)