Indigenous groups want more spots for residential school survivors during pope's visit
A group of Indigenous people in Quebec expressed disappointment and concern Friday after learning that only 400 seats will be reserved for residential school survivors at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré during Pope Francis' visit on July 28.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is asking the Church that reconciliation and healing for residential school survivors remain at the heart of Pope Francis' visit.
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine website reports that organizers of the papal mass anticipate between 10,000 and 15,000 people will be able to attend with space for guests inside and outside the basilica. A broadcast of the mass will also be offered on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City.
AFNQL Regional Chief Ghislain Picard is upset with the fact that his organization has only a few days to provide 400 names, while he estimates the number of residential school survivors to be several thousand among First Nations in the province.
Picard believes that it is essential to ensure that the survivors are close to the Pope, because the event represents an essential step for them in their journey towards healing.
"This is the very purpose of the Pope's visit," he said.
He added that the Church's apology is long overdue and that it must be done in a welcoming and compassionate manner.
Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Quebec City on the afternoon of July 27. He will first meet with government officials at the Citadel of Quebec and the Plains of Abraham.
The mass at Sainte-Anne de Beaupré will take place the next day at 10 a.m.
In the afternoon, he will meet with several members of the clergy, deacons and pastoral agents at the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica.
On Thursday, July 29, the Pope will have private meetings in Quebec City with members of the Society of Jesus before meeting with a delegation of Indigenous people from Eastern Canada at the Archdiocese of Quebec.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador includes 43 chiefs.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 1, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Occupancy exceeded: Banff, Alta., home possessed more than 40 beds
Alberta Health Services has issued an enforcement order against a Banff home after an inspection discovered that as many as 42 people were staying inside the property, saying the maximum number of occupants of the facility 'was exceeded.'

Summer of heat waves: A list of some temperature records broken in Canada this year
Canada's summer of heat waves continues this weekend, with warnings issued in four provinces. CTVNews.ca looks at some of the heat records broken already this year in Canada.
Air Canada denying passenger compensation claims for staff shortages, citing safety
Air Canada denied a customer complaint and instructed employees to classify flight cancellations caused by staff shortages as a "safety" problem, which would exclude travellers from compensation under federal regulations. That policy remains in place.
Help on the way for central Newfoundland fire Premier says is largest since 1961
The rapid growth of a long-burning forest fire in central Newfoundland has triggered a state of emergency in the area and the expansion of an outdoor fire ban to the entire province.
Multiple people in hospital, suspect shot after machete attack on Vancouver's Granville Street
Five people, including a suspect, were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a violent incident that drew a massive police presence to downtown Vancouver's main entertainment district Saturday night.
How Biden's new approach has led to legacy-defining wins
Over five decades in Washington, Joe Biden knew that the way to influence was to be in the room where it happens. But in the second year of his presidency, some of Biden's most striking, legacy-defining legislative victories came about by staying out of it.
No Stanley Cup? No problem. Canadiens fan makes near-exact replica using 3D printer
The Montreal Canadiens haven't brought the Stanley Cup home since 1993 -- but a very convincing replica is sitting in a garage in Boisbriand, Que., about 35 km northwest of Montreal.
U.S. sheriff stocking county's schools with AR-15 rifles
When schools in one North Carolina county reopen later this month, new security measures will include stocking AR-15 rifles for school resource officers to use in the event of an active shooter.
Two-year-old child found safe in Regina, Amber Alert ends
A two-year-old child from Regina has been found safe, following an alleged abduction and Amber Alert.