Rome, 24 July, 2022 / 1:45 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis set off on what he called a “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada Sunday.
During his six-day trip, the pope is expected to meet with and apologize to indigenous Canadians for abuses committed at Church-run residential schools in the 20th century. The pope’s itinerary includes stops in Edmonton, Quebec City, and Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. He returns to Rome on Saturday, July 30.
“Dear brothers and sisters of #Canada,” the pope tweeted before his departure, “I come among you to meet the indigenous peoples. I hope, with God's grace, that my penitential pilgrimage might contribute to the journey of reconciliation already undertaken. Please accompany me with #prayer.”
The pope was in a wheelchair when he boarded the ITA Airways plane, but he walked with a cane inside the cabin, personally greeting the 80 journalists accompanying him on the trip.
Pope Francis remembers 'Grandparents Day' on Papal Flight
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) July 24, 2022
Aboard plane for 'penitential pilgrimage' to Canada, #PopeFrancis calls for treasuring and being close to #GrandparentsandElderly
#PopeInCanada #WalkingTogether @papal_visit @LaityFamilyLife https://t.co/un4Vt5Jpyk