June 23, 2022
Edmonton will serve as home base for Pope Francis during his visit to Western Canada, taking place July 24-27, as the Catholic Church strengthens its efforts to listen to, talk with and learn from residential school survivors, their families and their communities, and offer an apology for the role it played in the residential school system.
“We are pleased to play a supporting role in the Catholic Church’s journey towards reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on Canadian soil,” said Andre Corbould, Edmonton’s City Manager. “Our city is deeply committed to fulfilling the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and we welcome Indigenous Peoples and communities from across Western Canada, with open arms, to this opportunity for progress and healing.”
The Vatican released its detailed itinerary of the visit in Alberta early this morning, available at
papalvisit.ca. Pope Francis will visit the site of a former residential school in Maskwacîs and will travel to Lac Ste. Anne, a popular Indigenous pilgrimage site that draws up to 40,000 people each year.
When back in Edmonton, the Pope will celebrate mass at Commonwealth Stadium. Free tickets will be available in the coming days, with details and access to tickets through
papalvisit.ca.
The papal visit in Canada is an initiative led by the Vatican and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). The City of Edmonton and its local partner, the Alberta Coordinating Committee, will provide support and specific services that ensure the safety and security of the Pope and the public.
As further details become available, they will be published on the City’s
web page.
