Montreal

Efforts to bring Pope Francis to Montreal going well, Coderre says

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says efforts to bring Pope Francis to the city for its 375th anniversary next year are going well.

Coderre trying to get Pope in Montreal for city's 375th anniversary

The mayor says he believes the Pope transcends religion and is interested in social issues such as homelessness. (Andrew Medichini/Associated Press)

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says efforts to bring Pope Francis to the city for its 375th anniversary next year are going well.

He says he has been in contact with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and has the support of both the federal and Quebec governments. 

Coderre has also sent documents to the Vatican.

The mayor says he believes the Pope transcends religion and is interested in social issues such as homelessness.

Coderre made the comments Monday as he and federal and Quebec cabinet ministers announced an $80-million renovation of Saint Joseph's Oratory.