Pope Francis Arrives in Canada Seeking Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples

Pope Francis arrived in Canada on Sunday on what he has called a “penitential pilgrimage” to the country, where he will seek to atone for the historical abuse of indigenous children at church-run residential schools.

The pope arrived shortly after 11 a.m. at Edmonton International Airport. Moving in a wheelchair, he was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Jeannie May Simon, a member of the Inuit people and the first indigenous Canadian to hold her office. The three sat for a short, subdued welcoming ceremony with a musical performance by a group of indigenous people.