As the pope’s step faltered, his cries for peace increased, although not without controversy and criticism.

Catholicism’s decline was especially noticeable in Quebec, the French-speaking and historically Catholic province where secularism is considered a key cultural value.

“Someone once said that tradition is the living memory of believers. Traditionalism instead is the dead life of our believers.”

“It was therefore a penitential pilgrimage,” Pope Francis said at today’s general audience. “There were many joyful moments, but the overall meaning and tone was reflection, repentance and reconciliation.”

“We are at a different place than we were a week ago in the church’s walk with Indigenous Peoples, a better place.”

An exclusive interview with Mandy Gull-Masty, the grand chief of the Cree Nation and the first woman to hold that post, about Pope Francis' visit to Canada and the future of the reconciliation process.