Preparing for the Pope: Workers build ramp at Iqaluit school Francis will visit

Workers from NCC Development Ltd. build a wooden wheelchair-accessible ramp outside Nakasuk Elementary School in Iqaluit early Monday. The temporary ramp is to accommodate Pope Francis when he arrives Friday to meet with survivors of the residential school system once run by the Catholic Church. It’s estimated 150,000 Indigenous children attended those schools during the 1800s up to the 1990s, many of whom suffered abuse there. Organizers of the papal visit say the 85-year-old pontiff will use a wheelchair during most of his Canadian visit due to his “advanced age and physical limitations.” In Iqaluit, Francis will also hold a public event Friday afternoon. (Photo by Madalyn Howitt)