Vatican Announces that Pope Francis Entrusted his Apostolic Journey to Canada to Our Lady

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis entrusted his Apostolic Journey to Canada to Our Lady. The Pope prayed before the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. 

Pope Francis's will soon begin his 37th Apostolic Journey.

 It is his custom to go to the Roman Basilica of Saint Mary Major to entrust his visits to Our Lady. The Holy See Press Office released a statement indicating that, Pope Francis will depart Rome on Sunday morning, arriving in Canada around 9:00AM local time. 

During his Angelus, the Holy Father described his journey to Canada as a "penitential pilgrimage", that will hopefully contribute to a process of healing and reconciliation with the country’s indigenous peoples. 

 During the 24-30 July Visit, the Pope will make stops in Edmonton, Quebec, and the northern city of Iqaluit. 

 In each of these places, at the heart of the Holy Father's visit, will be the desire to "meet and embrace the indigenous peoples”, as he announced during his Angelus of 17 July, explaining that “Unfortunately, in Canada, many Christians, including some members of religious institutes, have contributed to the policies of cultural assimilation that, in the past, have severely harmed indigenous communities in various ways." 

 The Pope’s Journey comes in response to invitations he received from the Church and the civil authorities in Canada, and from Canada’s indigenous peoples themselves. 

Edited from Vatican News