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.
Pope Francis says he will visit Canada in the coming months. A gesture many Indigenous people are looking forward to.
This week on Context: The apology – a step towards healing and reconciliation.
