National

As a Church, it is our shared responsibility to facilitate this apostolic journey of healing and reconciliation of the Holy Father and the planning that it entails. There are many costs associated with the papal visit and we need your help to secure the financial means to further support this journey of hope with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. To make a donation, please visit our website, papalvisit.ca.

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WALKING TOGETHER JULY 24-29, 2022 Papal Visit

Pope Francis will make a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24-29, 2022, focused on Indigenous healing and reconciliation. This will be the fourth papal journey to Canada and the first since Saint John Paul II’s visit in 2002.

An Investment In Healing & Reconciliation

In this papal visit, the Holy Father will speak directly to survivors of Canada’s residential schools; fulfilling the commitment that he made to them in Rome to “visit their ancestral lands, where their families live,” and deliver once again a heartfelt apology, as he did when the Indigenous delegations visited him in Rome in April 2022.

The delegation to Rome included youth as well as Elders, knowledge keepers and residential school survivors. Many of them spoke about the importance of reconciliation for the future of their people, and we hope this visit will be a meaningful step on the journey towards a better future, so that we can walk together on a path of hope.

Pope Francis will also have the opportunity to address the impact of colonization and the Catholic Church’s role in the operation of residential schools in Canada.

This visit will be one of healing, hope and reconciliation that we hope will
be a watershed moment for Indigenous peoples of this land and the Church’s relationship with them.

Provide the Opportunity to Connect with our Shepherd

As the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, the Holy Father will also have an opportunity to connect with the Catholic faithful in Canada.

Who are you Consulting with to Design this papal visit?

Indigenous Peoples are engaged throughout the planning for the Papal Visit to Canada. These conversations began with delegates preparing to visit the Vatican in March/April 2022 and continued during their private meetings with Pope Francis as well as ongoing
dialogue with a working group of Canadian Bishops. Indigenous partners have also been involved in advance visits to possible sites for the Papal Visit. With confirmation of dates and general locations of the visit, the programming of the visit will also be shaped in close dialogue with Indigenous partners.

Where is Pope Francis Going in Canada?

The Vatican has confirmed the Holy Father will utilize three hubs for the visit to Canada: Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit. More details on specific programming will be released as plans are confirmed. Given the Holy Father’s advanced age, limited time frame and the
size of Canada, the host communities will minimize travel for the Pope and allow for
events to take place in close proximity to the hub cities. We are committed to ensuring Indigenous participation from across the country and will be working with Indigenous partners on programming and other key elements of the visit. Specific programming and events will be confirmed approximately six weeks prior to the Holy Father’s arrival.

Why these communities?

EDMONTON is home to the 2nd largest number of Indigenous people living in urban Canadian centres. It is near Lac Ste Anne, a place of annual pilgrimage for thousands of Indigenous peoples from across the West and North and beyond. In addition, 25 residential schools were located in Alberta, the most of any province or territory in Canada.

QUEBEC CITY provides an eastern hub for those who may wish to travel to see Pope Francis, including Indigenous Peoples of the East. The region is also home to Ste. Anne-de-Beaupré, one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites in North America, drawing Indigenous Peoples and others from throughout Canada and around the world each year.

IQALUIT is the capital of Nunavut and home to 3,900 Inuit. Pope Francis was personally invited by Inuit delegates to visit the North during their meetings in March. Among the many communities in the traditional territory of the Inuit, Iqaluit has the infrastructure to
accommodate an encounter between the Pope and the People.

Who is Paying for the Papal Visit?

Traditionally there are a number of sources of funding for papal visits. These include the participation and support of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), local dioceses from across Canada, donations or in-kind contributions from individuals and corporations, as well as significant valuein- kind contributions from various levels of government. An investment in the Papal Visit to Canada is an investment in healing and reconciliation, because so many indigenous peoples have deemed it to be an essential step on that path. That said, the $30 million commitment recently announced by the CCCB (Indigenous Reconciliation Fund) will support Indigenous healing and reconciliation initiatives. None of these funds will be allocated to cover the expenses of the Papal Visit to Canada.

How Much are we Trying to Raise?

We are seeking to raise a National Target of $15M+.

This is a preliminary estimate, which will be further refined as we develop specific plans for the visit now that it has been confirmed by the Vatican.

The National Target

The national target will cover the costs for lodging and event security for participants; event production including staging, lighting, sound system, media centre, screens, and other production costs; event logistics including toilets, power, internet, communication equipment for volunteers, mobility for short transport for Elders or Survivors; health and welfare including mental health support for Indigenous survivors, and requirements not covered by others.

What is Government Supporting?

The Federal government has also called on the Pope to come to Canada as a critical part of the healing journey for this country. In support of this shared objective, all levels of government are stepping up to the plate. Organizers are working closely with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments in each of the host cities. 

The Federal government will cover the costs associated with Papal transportation and personal security and protection for Pope Francis as a Head of State.

Our government partners are also highly motivated by the spirit of the visit, and they will contribute to major events support services (e.g., traffic, policing, EMS, public transportation services), and in some cases, materials (traffic barricades) event venues
as in-kind contributions.

What about the Private Sector?

Private sector companies are providing cash or in-kind donations of materials, human resources, services and equipment. Other organizations, such as Saint John Ambulance, and other businesses are contributing human resources in the way of secondments and volunteers to keep costs down.

What Benefits will Major Donors ($100,000+) Receive?

While the Pope’s schedule will be limited due to health and geographical considerations, we are committed to working with the Papal Visit’s VIP team
to ensure that donors are appropriately recognized for their contribution.

Are You Willing to Accept In-Kind Services?

We welcome in-kind donations and would be pleased to connect you with the lead for that service area to discuss what specifically is needed.


Your extraordinary gift is an investment in the healing and reconciliation journey, as the Church seeks to walk together with Indigenous peoples towards a better future.

How to Donate?

  • You can either donate directly to your Diocese or Archdiocese; or
  • Donation cheques can be made payable to:
    • Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops or CONCACAN INC. - Attention: Paul Bowman, Director of Administration. Mailing address: 2500 Don Reid Dr., Ottawa, ON K1H 2J2, Canada
  • All cash donations are eligible for a tax receipt.