As Pope Francis prepares to come to Canada, a look at past papal visits
OTTAWA — Standing before a room of nearly 200 Indigenous delegates at the Vatican, Pope Francis apologized Friday for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in residential schools.
The Pope said he felt shame and sorrow that Catholics caused such profound harm, adding he will come to Canada, possibly in the summer. It would make him the second pontiff to do so.
Here’s a look at past papal visits:
1984 — Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit Canada. He spent 12 days touring the country, touching down in Quebec City and travelling through most of the provinces and on to Yellowknife. He was greeted by massive crowds and, according to Canadian bishops, delivered more than 30 addresses, including to faithful who flocked to Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.