Beginning his Canadian journey in September 1984, Pope John Paul II took to the streets of Québec City, a city with a strong Catholic heritage, in his infamous popemobile. A great traveler, he visited many countries during his pontificate. He had already visited Québec City in his role as archbishop of Krakow in 1969.

1984 - 1984

Pope John Paul II visits in 1984

A frequent traveller, Pope John Paul II made Québec City the first stop on his trip through Canada in September 1984, particularly since it was then the stronghold of the Catholic Church in North America. Despite the Quiet Revolution and the decline of Catholicism in Quebec since the 1960s, the Pope was still very popular. He was welcomed by dignitaries, politicians and religious figures, as well as by a large crowd. John Paul II officiated an open-air mass on the Université Laval campus attended by some 300,000 believers. Were you there?

John Paul II in the popemobile

Gérard Donnely Beginning his Canadian journey in September 1984, Pope John Paul II took to the streets of Québec City, a city with a strong Catholic heritage, in his infamous popemobile. A great traveler, he visited many countries during his pontificate. He had already visited Québec City in his role as archbishop of Krakow in 1969.

Chronoscope Where was this photo taken? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1984

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