Pope Francis apologizes for the atrocities done at residential schools

Pope Francis apologizes for the atrocities done at residential schools

The words Indigenous, Inuit, and Metis people have been waiting to hear for so long in this country: “I am very sorry.”

The apology was delivered in a statement from the Pope, heard worldwide after a week-long visit by a delegation of residential school survivors, elders, and chiefs. 

The historic moment comes nearly a year after the first discovery of unmarked graves across former sites of residential schools. It was a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the church – stripping children away from their homes, cultures, languages – where too often, they faced abuse by the very priests and nuns who were supposed to care for them. 

This week on Context: The apology – a step towards healing and reconciliation. 

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