OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/17/13 -- At the request of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will represent Canada at the Mass celebrating the inauguration of the ministry of the newly elected Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Francis. The ceremony will take place at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. (Central Europe Time).

"Sharon and I are honoured to represent Canada at the Mass in honour of the election of Pope Francis," said His Excellency. "We wish His Holiness all the best as the new spiritual leader of the Catholic Church."

Their Excellencies will be accompanied by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification), the Honourable Norman E. Doyle, Senator and a delegation of Canadians representing Catholic groups and organizations.

Below is the detailed itinerary (Central Europe Time).

                                                                            
Monday, March 18                                                            
                                                                            
6 p.m.                                                                      
                                                                            
Reception on the Occasion of the inauguration of the Pontificate of His     
Holiness Pope Francis                                                       
                                                                            
Their Excellencies will attend a reception hosted by His Excellency John    
Allen, Charge d'affaires, a.i. of the Embassy of Canada to the Holy See. The
Governor General will deliver remarks to women and men religious gathered on
this special occasion.                                                      
                                                                            
Pontifico Collegio Canadese, Rome                                           
                                                                            
OPEN TO MEDIA                                                               
                                                                            
Tuesday, March 19                                                           
                                                                            
9:30 a.m.                                                                   
                                                                            
Celebrating the Inauguration of Pope Francis                                
                                                                            
Their Excellencies will represent Canada at the Mass celebrating the        
inauguration of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as Pope Francis.
                                                                            
St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, Rome                                      
                                                                            
OPEN TO ACCREDITED MEDIA ONLY                                               

Members of the public can follow the visit to the Holy See online at www.gg.ca, where photos of the Governor General will be posted.

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