Speaking to the indigenous people of Canada, Pope Francis said: “I have come to you as a pilgrim to tell you how precious you are to me and to the Church.”

According to Vatican Radio, as part of his apostolic visit to Canada, the Pope took part in a pilgrimage to Lake St. Anne, where he led the celebration of a liturgical speech with the faithful.

He noted that “in these days, and today in particular, I was moved by the sound of drums that accompanied me wherever I went. The drum roll seemed to me to be an echo of the many heartbeats that have been beating for centuries by these waters, the hearts of many pilgrims who walked With even steps together to reach this “lake of God”! Here we can really hear the heartbeat of pilgrims, generations who went to way to the Lord to experience his healing work.”

He continued: “Dear indigenous brothers and sisters, I have come to you as a pilgrim to tell you how dear you are to me and the Church. I desire the Church to be entwined with you like the colored threads of the wrapper that many of you are wearing. May the Lord Jesus help us to move forward in the healing process, towards a future that is always more healing and renewed. I think this is also the desire of your grandparents. May Jesus, Saints Joachim and Anna, bless our journey.”