Pope Francis began his trip to Canada with a flight from Rome's Fiumicino Airport, where he boarded the plane in a wheelchair.
Just as he did during his visit to Malta, the Pope entered the plane using an elevator instead of the stairs.
But, once on board, he moved throughout the aisles using a cane.
During his meeting with journalists on the plane, Pope Francis received a helmet that belonged to Spanish journalist David Beriain, who was killed in Burkina Faso in 2021.
Upon his arrival at Edmonton International Airport, Pope Francis was greeted by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Governor General, Mary May Simon.
After the 10 hour flight and due to Pope Francis' knee problems, the welcome ceremony, held in the VIP area of the airport, was simple.
The Pope was greeted by a group who sang and played traditional music.
Cardinals and representatives from different indigenous groups exchanged words of welcome and gifts with Pope Francis.
In spite of the long flight and his knee, the Pope smiled frequently as he greeted each representative.
This is Pope Francis' first trip to Canada and the first papal trip since 2002 when Pope St. John Paul II visited the country.
KG
