A major logistical operation on the morning of Pope Francis’ Mass at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Mandatory early morning stops for ticket holders’ vehicles
Out of respect for Indigenous groups and the general public,
the National Papal Visit Team team is working with its partners
to have the shortest possible stopover times
Everything will be done to facilitate the waiting time at the Shrine
July 15 2022 – A major logistical operation is taking shape early in the morning of Pope Francis’ Mass on July 28 at the National Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (10 a.m. ET). Two mandatory stops for vehicles carrying ticket holders inside and outside of the Basilica will be set up at Centre Vidéotron / ExpoCité and Mont-Sainte-Anne. All buses and cars arriving from the east or west will have to stop there between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m.
Recognizing the challenges of such early morning hours and out of respect for Indigenous groups and the general public, the Papal Visit Team is working with its partners in the various police forces to ensure that the stopover time slots are as late as possible.
Every effort will be made to facilitate waiting time on site as Pope Francis is expected to arrive at approximately 9:15 a.m. He is expected to first greet those gathered outside, 70% of whom are Indigenous groups and many residential school survivors, and 30% of whom are diocesan delegations and the general public who have tickets.
Only official shuttles or secure buses will be able to reach the Shrine
All ticket holders inside the Basilica will be required to board dedicated shuttles after passing through security at the stopover sites. All ticket holders outside the Basilica will board another set of shuttles, without going through a security check. Only buses carrying Indigenous groups or diocesan delegations (which themselves are made up of numerous Indigenous people) to the site outside the Basilica will be allowed to proceed with police escorts from the stopover sites
The first police convoys escorting the shuttles and secure buses will leave the two stopover sites at 5:00 a.m. The last convoys should leave no later than 7:00 a.m.
Additional details on arrival times at the staging points will be communicated directly to all those with tickets.
Welcome on site
Every effort is being made to ensure that participants have a safe time during the hours they are on site. A large team of partners will ensure the deployment of the health component, including psychological support dedicated to Indigenous people. It will be permitted and recommended to bring lawn chairs, small umbrellas or parasols (so as not to block the view), a cooler with food, a water bottle (no glass bottles). Water bottles will be offered to all those who need them and access to filling them will be easy. Sanitary facilities will be provided in sufficient numbers. The giant screens will allow the audience to fully experience the event. The Pope’s speeches will be delivered primarily in Spanish, his native language, but close-captioning will be available in French and English on all screens. Live streaming links will be available on our website so that participants can access and listen to the translation in 12 indigenous languages.
Early Bird Volunteers
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, in the mandatory transportation stops and on the site, volunteers will arrive as early as 4:00 a.m. at the Centre Vidéotron and at Mont Saint-Anne.
To become a volunteer: www.papalvisit.com/volunteer.
Experience the Papal Mass on the Plains of Abraham
For those who wish to experience this Papal Mass on the Plains of Abraham, it will be broadcast on giant screens on the Plains. This site is open, everyone is welcome, no ticket is required. Those who plan to participate are invited to inform the organizers by registering at www.papalvisit.ca/plains. This will allow registrants to receive any relevant updates by e-mail.
Reminder: Don‘t pay for tickets – they’re free!
Online resale sites are already offering tickets to the Papal visit events. It is sad and disturbing that anyone is trying to resell free tickets to an event with Pope Francis as part of his pilgrimage of healing, reconciliation and hope. It is strongly recommended that you avoid any resale sites as the tickets may not be legitimate.
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For media inquiries on the Papal Visit to Canada:
media@papalvisit.ca (English)
communications@visitepapale.ca (French)
