Pope Francis’s whirlwind tour through Canada came to an end Saturday, and during the press conference aboard the papal plane he acknowledged that a genocide had been perpetrated against the Indigenous communities there.
Pope Francis in Canada
At Audience, Pope Reflects on ‘Penitential Pilgrimage’ to Canada
The remembrance, reconciliation and healing from the Catholic Church’s past sins committed against Indigenous populations is a reminder that Christians can find hope amid their sins and failures, Pope Francis said.
Post-Canada, Will Pope Francis’ Schedule Allow Him to Slow Down?
Pope Francis told reporters on his return flight from a lengthy 6-day trip to Canada that his ongoing health troubles, including osteoarthritis of the knee, could force him to slow down, at least in terms of international travel.
Pope Francis Says Residential-School Policy was Part of ‘Genocide’ Plan
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.
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.
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.
Top Canadian Prelate Hopes Papal Trip Can Help Country ‘Turn a Page’
Canada’s leading Catholic prelate has voiced hope Pope Francis’ visit to the country this week will strengthen efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and help “turn a page” in order to move forward together.