National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak to Attend Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV with Prime Minister Mark Carney

(May 16, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak will attend Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass in Rome this weekend as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s delegation. The mass is scheduled to take place Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

“We welcome the new Pope’s message of peace and bridge-building among all people,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “I am honoured to attend the inaugural mass on behalf of First Nations across this country and repeat our invitation for His Holiness to continue the important work of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, especially those who suffered the harms of Residential Schools.”

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. local time
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City

National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak will be available for media interviews. To arrange an interview, please contact Kelly Reid, Senior Communications Officer, at 613-292-0857 or kreid@afn.ca

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national political and 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)
cfrancis@afn.ca

Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
kreid@afn.ca

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