Efforts to bring Pope Francis to Montreal going well, Coderre says

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says efforts to bring Pope Francisto the city for its 375th anniversary next year are going well.

He says he has been in contact with the Canadian Conference ofCatholic Bishops and has the support of both the federal and Quebecgovernments.

Coderre has also sent documents to the Vatican.

The mayor says he believes the Pope transcends religion and isinterested in social issues such as homelessness.

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Coderre made the commentsMondayas he and federal and Quebeccabinet ministers announced an $80-million renovation of SaintJoseph's Oratory.