Pope Francis is on a six-day tour of Canada aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools. Here are the latest developments on his stops today (all times are ET): 5 p.m.
Pope Francis is on a six-day tour of Canada aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools.
Here are the latest developments on his stops today (all times are ET):
5 p.m.
People lined the side of the roads in Iqaluit to get a glimpse of Pope Francis as the pontiff made his way to Nakasuk Elementary School.
Hundreds gathered at the site where Francis is to take part in a public event later today.
Inuit throat singing is taking place on a stage in front of the crowd.
Many people in the crowd are wearing headsets to hear Inuktitut translations.
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4:15 p.m.
Pope Francis has been greeted at the Iqaluit airport by several dignitaries, including Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal.
Two residential school survivors also took part in the welcome ceremony.
Francis smiled, shook hands and handed out gifts in red boxes, thought to be commemorative coins of the historic visit.
He is now scheduled to have a private meeting with survivors at an elementary school.
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3:40 p.m.
Pope Francis has arrived in Iqaluit for the last stop of his reconciliation visit in Canada.
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1 p.m.
A plane carrying Pope Francis has left Quebec City and is headed to Iqaluit for the final stop on his reconciliation visit to Canada.
In Iqaluit, he is scheduled to take part in private meetings with residential school survivors and an outdoor meeting with young people and elders before flying home to the Vatican.
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10:35 a.m.
Pope Francis told a delegation of residential school survivors in Quebec City that he has come in a spirit of penance to express his heartfelt pain at the injustices inflicted upon them by “not a few Catholics.”
Francis says he came to Canada, despite his physical limitations, so the processes of healing and reconciliation can continue.
The pontiff will have a private meeting with the Indigenous delegation before flying to Iqaluit.
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9 a.m.
Pope Francis is beginning the final day of his Canadian tour.
Francis is scheduled to meet privately this morning with members of his religious order, the Society of Jesus, in Quebec City.
He will then meet with residential school survivors before heading to Iqaluit, Nunavut.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2022.
The Canadian Press
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