Governor General to take part in the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis

July 21, 2022

OTTAWA, Ontario—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser will participate in elements of His Holiness Pope Francis’s visit to Canada, taking place from July 24 to 29. During his visit, His Holiness will visit the cities of Edmonton, Québec and Iqaluit.

Last May, Pope Francis accepted an invitation from the Prime Minister and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) to visit Canada and to further advance the work of reconciliation.

The Governor General will take part in the events and activities listed below.

Sunday, July 24
Edmonton, Alberta

Arrival in Canada
The Governor General will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Canada.
Edmonton International Airport
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Monday, July 25
Maskwacis, Alberta

Meeting with Indigenous Peoples
The Governor General will listen to His Holiness Pope Francis addressing a crowd of Indigenous peoples following his visit to the nearby Ermineskin Cree Nation Cemetery and the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School.
Muskwa Park
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Wednesday, July 27
Québec, Quebec

Arrival at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec
Her Excellency will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis upon his arrival at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.
Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis
The Governor General will meet with His Holiness Pope Francis.
Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOLED MEDIA – At the beginning of the meeting

Meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin
The Governor General will meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY FOR POOLED MEDIA – At the end of the meeting

Addresses to Canadians
Governor General Simon and Pope Francis will deliver addresses to all Canadians on the occasion of the papal visit.
Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec
OPEN TO POOLED MEDIA ONLY

Friday, July 29
Iqaluit, Nunavut

Meeting with Young People and Elders
Her Excellency will listen to His Holiness Pope Francis addressing members of the Iqaluit community following a meeting with residential school survivors.
Grounds of the Nakasuk Elementary School
RESCTRICTED ACCESS TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Farewell Ceremony
The Governor General will bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis as he leaves Canada.
Iqaluit International Airport
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO ACCREDITED MEDIA

Quick Facts

  • This will be the first time that Governor General Simon meets Pope Francis.
  • The visit of Pope Francis is organized by the Vatican, the CCCB and Indigenous partners.
  • For more information on the official program, visit https://www.papalvisit.ca/.

 

Notes for media

  • Media accreditation will be required for on-site coverage of events. At this time, the media accreditation process has concluded.
  • Media inquiries regarding the papal visit to Canada can be directed to media@papalvisit.ca.
  • Due to various constraints on site, only interview requests with Governor General Simon submitted in advance will be considered.

 

Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca

Stay connected:
Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.