Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard met briefly with Pope Francis on the steps of St. Peter's Square earlier today to invite him to Montreal for the city’s 375th anniversary in 2017. The two talked for about 45 seconds as Couillard handed the pontiff an invitation.
Philippe Couillard, accompanied by his wife Suzanne Pilote, reminded the head of the Catholic Church that this anniversary was important for the city and that the Christian roots of the people of Quebec run deep.
Couillard later noted that the Pope appeared well-versed in Quebec issues and evaluated the chances of him accepting the invitation as “50-50.” Couillard acknowledged that religion is not the strong force it once was in Quebec but told reporters that such a visit could boost popularity in the same way that Pope John Paul II’s 1984 visit inspired a frenzied response.
Couillard presented a variety of gifts to the Pope in the form of a pilgrim's staff created by a craftsman from Saint-Félicien, as well as creations from Quebec Trappist monks.
Mayor Denis Coderre also invited the pontiff during his brief interview with him at Vatican City in February.
About 50,000 faithful waited hours in intense sunshine at the Vatican Wednesday in order to hear Pope Francis address the subject of love, which he noted cannot be bought.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
