Governor General takes part in the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis

July 24 to 29, 2022

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. During his visit, His Holiness visited the cities of Edmonton, Québec and Iqaluit.

The Governor General took part in several events and activities.

July 24, 2022

Governor General Simon welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis to Canada.

July 25, 2022

The Governor General listened 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.

Governor General Simon is shaking hands with Pope Francis.

Governor General Simon welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis to Edmonton as he started the first leg of his historic visit to Canada.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0176-016
Governor General Simon and Pope Francis sitting together.

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

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0176-061
Four people beating drums.

During his visit, His Holiness will visit the cities of Edmonton, Québec and Iqaluit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0176-072
Two people are standing in front of Pope Francis. Pope Francis is kissing one of their hands.

The visit of Pope Francis is organized by the Vatican, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Indigenous partners.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0176-089
Pope Francis is delivering remarks. He is flanked by two Indigenous leaders.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-055
Pope Francis is wearing an Indigenous headdress. Indigenous leaders are standing around him.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-078
Governor General Simon is smiling as she stops to speak to people seated in an audience.

The Governor General attended an event where His Holiness Pope Francis addressed a crowd of Indigenous peoples.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-129
A performer dressed in bright colours is performing a dance.

Performances were held at the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-188
Pope Francis is seated on stage with Indigenous leaders.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-197
A woman is crying with her eyes closed in a crowd of people.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-211
People wearing traditional Indigenous headdresses. A man is bent over with his eyes closed. A man has his hand on his shoulder.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-217
A woman dressed in traditional Indigenous clothing is crying out.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed 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.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0178-235

July 27, 2022

The Governor General met with His Holiness Pope Francis and with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

Governor General Simon and Pope Francis delivered addresses to all Canadians on the occasion of the papal visit.

Pope Francis is being wheeled in a wheelchair across the grounds of the GGCitadelle. Governor General Simon is greeting him.

Her Excellency welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis upon his arrival at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0181-059
Governor General Simon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are standing on either side of Pope Francis who is sitting in a wheelchair. They are on a red carpet.

Her Excellency welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis upon his arrival at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also present.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0181-073
Pope Francis is being wheeled in a wheelchair across the grounds of the GGCitadelle. Governor General Simon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and several others are walking behind him.

Her Excellency welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis upon his arrival at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0181-092
Governor General Simon and His Holiness Pope Francis are sitting next to each other in a room at the GGCitadelle. They are smiling at one another.

The Governor General met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0182-006
Governor General Simon is sitting next to His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin in a room at the GGCitadelle. They are talking to each other.

The Governor General met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0183-004
Governor General Simon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and His Holiness Pope Francis are sitting next to each other outside of the GGCitadelle. The Chateau Frontenac is in the distance behind them.

Her Excellency and Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis to the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0184-011
Governor General Simon is sitting next to His Holiness Pope Francis in a room at the GGCitadelle. She has a book open on her lap.

Governor General Simon and Pope Francis delivered addresses to all Canadians on the occasion of the papal visit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0185-020
Governor General Simon is sitting next to His Holiness Pope Francis in a room at the GGCitadelle. He is holding one of her hands. She has a book open on her lap.

Governor General Simon and Pope Francis delivered addresses to all Canadians on the occasion of the papal visit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0185-032

July 29, 2022

Her Excellency listened to His Holiness Pope Francis addressing members of the Iqaluit community following a meeting with residential school survivors.

Later that day, the Governor General bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis as he left Canada.

A large stage decorated with mountainous scenery. Performers are singing and playing instruments on the right side of the stage. Pope Francis and another man sit on the left side of the stage.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed members of the Iqaluit community following a meeting with residential school survivors.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0190-006
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting amongst a crowd. She is looking straight ahead.

Her Excellency listened to His Holiness Pope Francis addressing members of the Iqaluit community.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0190-042
Women are sitting in a crowd.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed members of the Iqaluit community.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0190-048
A man wearing traditional Inuit clothing plays a qilaut.

Cultural performances took place during His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0190-063
Pope Francis is delivering a speech. He is sitting on a white chair and has sheets of paper in his hands.

His Holiness Pope Francis addressed members of the Iqaluit community.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0190-073
Musicians dressed in traditional Inuit clothing are performing. Governor General Simon, Pope Francis and several other people are watching.

Cultural performances took place during His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0191-034
Pope Francis shakes the hand of a woman. The woman is wearing traditional Inuit clothing. Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser smile in the background.

Cultural performances took place during His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0191-074
Pope Francis and Governor General Simon face each other. They are talking and smiling. There are people around them.

The Governor General bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis as he left Canada.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2022-0191-100

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