The Papal Visit of 1984

“To the world of 1984 and beyond, to our families and to our cities, we must bring the gifts of communion and love. We must forge the bonds of justice and peace.” – Pope John Paul II

While Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica has been a local icon for almost two centuries, it took a major step onto the world stage with the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984. Not just an honour for Halifax, it was a part of the first Papal visit in Canadian history. As a part of the larger national tour, the visit to our city in particular was meant to celebrate the bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Halifax, which began when the oppressive anti-Catholic laws of the British Empire were overturned. Over the course of his twelve days in Canada, the Pope visited every ecclesiastical province from Saint John’s, NL to Vancouver, BC, stopping in twelve cities and holding forty public gatherings.

Pope John Paul II in prayer, photograph, Archives of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

Once His Holiness’ visit was confirmed, Archbishop Hayes immediately struck a committee to handle the massive logistical challenges that a Papal visit presented. Aside from ecclesiastical representation from all of his suffragan diocese, members of the lay community took part, including local media. Chronicle Herald publisher Graham Dennis, a great friend of the Archbishop, promised whatever was required, going so far as to produce a special supplemental issue for the visit. Thousands of volunteers were brought in to handle all aspects of the visit, from public relations to crowd logistics. Amenities for the occasion included 36 ambulances, 2,400 public toilets, and more than 400,000 sandwiches.

Commemorative Edition cover page, AUTHOR NAME, September 14th, 1984, Chronicle Herald Special Edition, pp. 1

The enthusiasm was felt across the city, starting even before His Holiness’ arrival on September 13th. After touching down at CFB Shearwater, the Pope departed by Popemobile with a procession that moved through the downtown core to the Halifax Commons for an event with Catholic youth. The Herald also estimated that up to 200 buses bearing pilgrims from New England were also heading to the city for the event. This brief event was followed by a smaller occasion for local clergy and notable laypeople. The following day, Pope John Paul II went first to the IWK Children’s Hospital to brighten the spirits of local children. Many of them received his blessing, as did a Cabbage Patch doll brought along by 8-year old Robin Nickerson.

Despite poor weather, thousands of Haligonians crowded the Commons that day to celebrate the Eucharist. Advance estimates for attendance ranged from 300,000 to 800,000, which represented a logistical nightmare for local government. Although the weather did impact attendance, 80,000 people braved the rain to hear Pope John Paul II speak, by far the largest crowd the Commons had ever seen (beating even the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney).

The Pope’s visit came at a turning point in global society. Against the backdrop of the Cold War, economic disparity, and issues facing the church, His Holiness’ message of peace and brotherhood resonated deeply with the crowd.