Penitential Visit Kicks Off as Pope Lands in Edmonton for 6-day Visit With Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Pope Francis was welcomed with drumming, cameras, and crowds as he landed in Edmonton yesterday for the first leg of his Canada visit.

Described by the Pontiff as a Pilgrimage of Penance, the visit, titled Walking Together, is meant to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, including the Prime Minister, were on hand to welcome the Pope as he arrived in Edmonton.

Traditional honour drumming welcomed him, before an official ceremony opened his 6-day visit, which will also see stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit.

Today’s schedule will see the Pope visit with Elders, survivors, and more at the site of the former Ermineskin Residential School at 10:00 this morning.

There, it is expected the Pope will issue an apology for the Catholic Church’s role in the Residential School tragedy, on Canadian soil.

In light of the emotional triggers this may cause, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society is hosting a number of gatherings.

Survivors and families in the Terrace area can come together to show support at the Kitsumkalum Community Hall today and tomorrow.

Breakfast will be served at 8:00 each morning, with the events of the visit being livestreamed afterwards.

You can view the full schedule for the Pope’s visit at this link.

Links to the live stream in English and a number of Indigenous languages can be found at this link.