Pope Francis waved to thousands of people and blessed babies in the popemobile before the opening Mass at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Tuesday.
The pope was carried around the stadium smiling and waving to the crowds and kissed several babies before the mass began.
Pope Francis blesses Adriana Myers’ two-month-old baby before the opening Mass at Commonwealth Stadium on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)
A Calgary woman whose two-month-old baby was blessed by the pope told CTV News she was “full of joy and overwhelmed.”
“I’m happy, more than happy. I feel very calm, I’m still shaking,” said Adriana Meyers.
Because the crowds were smaller than expected – roughly 40,000 people according to organizers instead of the more than 50,000 expected – organizers closed Clarke Stadium, a smaller stadium located next to Commonwealth Stadium, where the Popemobile would drive around and spectators would watch mass of big screens.
Some attendees lined up outside the Commonwealth as early as 5:45 a.m., well before the gates opened at 7:30 a.m.
The first group in line told CTV News they wanted to see the pope “right away.”
“We are so excited about this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Jeremy De Vega.
Paul Hisson of San Diego added that he was truly grateful to be in Edmonton for the Pope’s visit.
After the service, a Native Ontario woman who had come all the way to support her mother said the experience had been tough.
“I don’t think the liturgy would change many people’s minds about the pope’s visit,” Cindy Peipompi said.
A woman traveling to Edmonton from Red Deer told CTV News she could feel the pope’s spirit.
“I’m a proud Catholic, and it was great to feel his presence when he first walked in,” Natalie Tuchscherer said.
Later on Tuesday, the Pope will visit Lac Ste. Anne for taking part in the community’s annual pilgrimage.
Watch the Mass live on CTVNewsEdmonton.ca.
If you are a former Indian school survivor in distress or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the Indian Residential Schools 24-hour crisis line: 1-866-925-4419 . Additional mental health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.
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