VIDEO: Pope Francis visits Canada and apologizes to the Indigenous people

(NBC) - Pope Francis, who continues to struggle with knee pain, is making a historic visit to Canada this week to personally apologize for the Catholic Church's role in running residential schools where many indigenous children were abused.

NBC's Jay Gray joins us from the western providence of Alberta, where the Pope will begin his trip.

Pope Francis is in Canada this morning, the leader of the Roman-Catholic Church making the trip province of Alberta to offer an apology for abuses carried-out by missionaries at indigenous schools during colonization.

The North American visit comes as Francis continues to deal with health issues leading to speculation about his future at the Vatican.

Pope Francis is expected to make a formal apology during his first public speech later today when he meets with survivors and indigenous leaders at a former residential school just outside of Edmonton.

A traditional "honor welcome" as Pope Francis arrives in Canada.

For what he calls "a pilgrimage of penance."

After loud protests from indigenous leaders for decades, the pontiff will apologize for abuses including accusations of genocide by Catholic missionaries at residential schools.

"And for all indigenous people throughout the world who were colonized and christianized, sometimes forcibly, violently - and to have somebody come and express their sincere apology is quite meaningful" says Bruce Cutknife, a residential school survivor.

The Holy Father making the journey after cancelling a planned trip to the Congo and South Sudan in July.

Confined to a wheel chair for months now - Francis has missed several papal events this year.

Concerns over a number of health issues leading to speculation he may step-down as the leader of the Roman Catholic faith.

But the pope insists "God is not asking me to resign."

"I tremendously respect the fact that he's coming here to Canada to try to heal some of those wounds," says Sarah-Jane Green, an Edmonton resident.

The Vatican does acknowledge, at 85-years-old and with his physical issues, the Pope's public appearances during his six days in Canada will be limited.

His schedule includes significant "down time" for rest and throughout his trip the pontiff is not expected to spend more than an hour or so during his public appearances.