The planned destruction of the families, languages, cultures and traditions of the Indigenous communities of Canada through the residential school system was “genocide,” Pope Francis said.
Indigenous People
Pope Francis Entrusts new Relationship With Indigenous to St. Anne, Mary and St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Meeting Indigenous survivors of residential schools in Canada, Pope Francis entrusted them and the journey of truth, healing and reconciliation to three women: St. Anne, Mary and St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
Pope Francis in Canada Apologizes for ‘Evil’ of Sex Abuse
Pope Francis asked forgiveness Thursday for the sexual abuse of children at Church-run residential schools, vowing “never again” and building on an historic apology made the day after his arrival in Canada.
Church Cannot Flee Failures, but Must Reconcile With Indigenous, Pope Says
In the face of sin and failure, the temptation to wallow in despair and do nothing comes from the devil, Pope Francis said.
In Quebec, Pope Condemns Modern Colonization of Indigenous
Pope Francis arrived in Quebec Wednesday, where he reiterated his apology to the country’s Indigenous peoples for the Catholic Church’s historic role in the “violent opposition” of their culture and condemned both new and old forms of colonization.
Pope Joins Indigenous Pilgrims at Lake Known for its Healing Waters
Pope Francis joined Indigenous pilgrims at a lake known for miraculous healings and encouraged them to lay their burdens on the shore.
‘I Am Sorry’: Canadian Indigenous React to Papal Apology
The words “I am sorry” are powerful. For Tammy Ward of the Samson First Nation, those words from Pope Francis brought tears as she listened on the Muskwa, or Bear Park, Powwow Grounds.
Canadian Indigenous Grateful for Papal Apology, But They Want More
Survivors of Canada’s residential school system who were present for Pope Francis’ apology Monday described the moment as historic and “bittersweet,” but said the highly anticipated mea culpa will only be meaningful if it’s followed by concrete action.
Indigenous and Catholic: One Can Proudly Be Both, Pope Francis Says
While presented as missionary work, the operation of residential schools by Catholics in Canada was actually an attempt to impose European culture on Canada’s Indigenous people, Pope Francis said.
Holy Father to Indigenous in Canada: ‘I Beg Forgiveness’
The first step of Pope Francis’ “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada involved him returning two pairs of children’s moccasins.
