(April 24, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will join the Canadian delegation, led by Governor General Mary Simon, to attend the funeral service of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will participate in the Canadian delegation to honour the legacy of Pope Francis and acknowledge his efforts to advance truth and reconciliation with First Nations in Canada.
“It is important to recognize Pope Francis for his leadership within an institution resistant to progressive change,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “His Holiness disrupted the status quo in a good way. On many issues, including the many harms and crimes inflicted by Catholic clergy on First Nations children in the Indian residential school’ system, Pope Francis pushed the Catholic Church to confront its past and seek a path for reconciliation and change.”
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. local time
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will be available for media interview while in Rome. To arrange an interview, please contact Cherish Francis, Press Secretary, Office of the National Chief, at [email protected] or (343) 630-1372.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X at @AFN_Updates.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]