During the papal visit to Canada, Pope Francis will meet with Indigenous Peoples, visit a former residential school in Edmonton, and participate in the annual pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne, and celebrate an open-air Holy Mass at Commonwealth Stadium.

This historic visit is another opportunity for Pope Francis to learn how colonization and residential schools operated by the Catholic Church impacted Indigenous Peoples and offer an apology to survivors, their families and their communities. It is a step toward truth, understanding and healing.

The visit follows the private meeting Pope Francis had with 30 Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and residential school survivors last March to listen to their stories and discuss the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect them.

It also follows the statement of apology issued by the Catholic Bishops of Canada in 2021.

Pope Francis will travel to Iqaluit and Quebec City before departing Canada on July 29.

Rolling closures mean that a highway closure will be in place before and after the Pope’s motorcade passes by.

Motorists can expect delays and should plan ahead and consider alternate routes where possible.

July 24

The Pope will arrive on the morning of July 24 and the QEII Highway northbound between the Edmonton International Airport and City of Edmonton will be closed until the motorcade passes by.

July 25

The QEII Highway southbound and Highway 611 west of Highway 2A will be closed between Edmonton and Maskwacis when the Pope travels from Edmonton to Maskwacis on the morning of July 25.

The QEII Highway and Highway 611 west of Highway 2A will be closed between Maskwacis and Edmonton when the Pope returns to Edmonton later in the afternoon.

Additionally, travellers can expect closures, significant delays and limited access along portions of Highway 2A, northbound and southbound, between Wetaskiwin, Maskwacis and Ponoka all day on July 25.

Travellers can also expect closures, significant delays and limited access along portions of Highway 611, eastbound and westbound, all day on July 25.

July 26

Highway 16 westbound, Highway 43 northbound and Highway 633 westbound will be closed when the Pope travels to Lac Ste. Anne late in the afternoon on July 26.

Highway 633 eastbound to Highway 43 southbound and Highway 16 eastbound to Edmonton will be closed when the Pope returns to Edmonton.

Additionally, closures and restricted access to Highways 16 and 633 can be expected on all range roads and township roads west of Highway 43 and east of Highway 765, south of Lac Ste. Anne.

Highway 633 between Highways 757 and 43 will be closed except for buses and local traffic.

July 27

The Pope will depart Edmonton on the morning of July 27 and QEII Highway southbound between Edmonton and the Edmonton International Airport will be closed.

Travellers are asked to plan ahead and make alternate travel plans if possible.

Information on the papal travel schedule will be posted on 511.

• Call toll-free: 511 (in Alberta)
• Call: 1-855-391-9743 (outside Alberta)
• Visit: 511.alberta.ca
• Follow: @511Alberta

Highway closure information will also be posted on electronic message boards along the QEII Highway and Highways 2A, 16, 43, 611 and 633.

Reconciliation is a priority for Alberta’s government. As partners in reconciliation, we are listening to and working with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta to determine the best ways forward to a better future.