Denis Coderre says efforts to bring Pope Francis to Montreal next year are going well

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

READ MORE: Saint Joseph’s Oratory gets facelift for Montreal’s 375th anniversary

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

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Coderre has also sent documents to the Vatican.

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

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