Pope Francis arrives in Edmonton on July 24, to begin his six day "penitent trip" to apologize to Residential School survivors (Photo: The Canadain Press)

By The Canadian Press

Pope Francis leaves Rome for Indigenous reconciliation visit in Canada

Jul 24, 2022 | 10:47 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Pope Francis is en route to Canada to embark on what he describes as a “penitential trip” aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous people for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools.

The Pope’s plane is set to land in Edmonton later today to start a six-day visit that also includes stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit.

Francis is to be greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon upon his arrival at an Edmonton airport hangar this afternoon.

Francis will then travel to the St. Joseph Seminary, where he will be staying during the Alberta leg of the visit.

The Pontiff’s first public statement is expected tomorrow at the former Ermineskin (EHR-min-skin) Indian Residential School in the community of Maskwacis (MASS’-kwah-cheez).

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He is expected to apologize to Indigenous Peoples for abuses they suffered in the residential school system.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse were rampant. More than 60 per cent of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.