Pope Francis to host mass at Quebec pilgrimage site following second apology

Organizers expect more than 16,000 people will attend though attendance during events in Alberta has been overestimated.

Later in the day, he is to attend vespers with church officials in the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec.

Francis arrived in the city for two days of events on Wednesday morning.

Speaking at Quebec City’s historic Citadelle, the Pope asked forgiveness for the harm done by the policies of assimilation carried out in residential schools.

Francis made his way to the historic site for private meetings with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

He later addressed a small room of Indigenous dignitaries and residential school survivors.

The pontiff expressed deep shame and sorrow for the part different local Roman Catholic institutions played in the deplorable system.

It is the second papal apology on Canadian soil for Francis who is midway through his tour.

On Monday, he begged forgiveness for the “evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples,” during a speech in Maskwacis, Alta.

He is to make a brief stop in Iqaluit on Friday before heading home to Vatican City.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2022.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Pope Francis to host mass at Quebec pilgrimage site following second apology

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