Sept. 16, 1984 Pope John Paul II visits Edmonton

On the evening of Sept. 16, 1984, Pope John Paul II stopped in Edmonton, marking the first time he had visited the city and the first visit to Canada by any leader of the Catholic Church.

Upon touching down in the Namao airport, the pope was greeted by thousands of supporters lining the streets on the way to his destination at St. Joseph's Basilica.

For those wanting a longer look at the pontiff, many rode bicycles along the closed streets.

At the Basilica, John Paul II delivered a service to people of many faiths to further his message of peace and collaboration.

A large contingent from the city's Polish community showed support for John Paul II, the first pope to come from Poland.

The celebration of support for the Pope was first aired on The National, as reported by the CBC's Joe Schlesinger, on Sept. 16, 1984.