TORONTO, Jul 27, 02 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II met on Saturday morning with Canadian government leaders, prior to his arrival Saturday evening in Downsview Park for a World Youth Day prayer vigil.
The Holy Father today left Strawberry Island, where he has been staying since his arrival in Canada. His meetings with government leaders took place at a motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Toronto, where he will remain until he leaves for Guatemala on Monday morning.
To spare the Pope from travel, a variety of Canadian leaders traveled to central Toronto to speak with him. They included Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Ontario's primier David Young, and Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman.
After the meeting, the Pope had lunch with the 120 bishops of Canada. He was then scheduled to rest through the afternoon.
This (Saturday) evening, Pope John Paul will meet with the young people who have made a 15-mile pilgrimage from Toronto to Downsview Park for a vigil of prayer. About 400,000 World Youth Day participants made the trek, carrying food and supplies in backpacks. They will sleep outdoors at the former airport which has been converted into a campground for the occasion.
After visiting with the youngsters Saturday night, Pope John Paul will return to Toronto for the night. He will then take another helicopter flight to Downsview Park for the Sunday Mass that is expected to draw a total congregation approaching 750,000.
Weather forecasters are promising fair weather for the finale of the 17th World Youth Day observance.
Catholic World News Feature
27. juli 2002