We call upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families, and communities for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children in Catholic-run residential schools. We call for that apology to be similar to the 2010 apology issued to Irish victims of abuse and to occur within one year of the issuing of this Report and to be delivered by the Pope in Canada.
Why “In Progress?”
May 13, 2022: Pope Francis to visit Edmonton, Québec City and Iqaluit on Canada tour from July 24-30
April 1, 2022 – Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous delegates including residential school survivors for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system in Canada: “I am very sorry.” The Pope is expected to come to Canada forJuly 26, 2021
Oct. 27, 2021 – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops announced that Pope Francis had accepted their invitation to make “an apostolic journey to Canada “also in the context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.” Rev. Raymond Poisson, CCCB president.
Sept. 24, 2021: The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a “Statement of Apology” in an open letter and also pledged to work with the Holy See and our Indigenous partners on the possibility of a pastoral visit by the Pope to Canada as part of this healing journey.
The pope officially refused to apologize in a formal letter delivered by the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on March 27, 2018.
Current Status
May 13, 2022
In Progress
Previous Status
April 4, 2022
In Progress
Latest Updates
Site last updated on May 13, 2022
Pope Francis apology
Pope Francis visit to Edmonton, Québec City and Iqaluit confirmed for July 24-30
Globe and Mail: Pope Francis will visit Canada in July in a cross-country tour that will take in Quebec City, Edmonton and Iqaluit, the Vatican……
May 13, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
Update to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Community on Delegation With The Pope
There were 4 major themes to the presentation: Residential Schools and Unmarked GravesTruth and Reconciliation CommissionPapal Apology and Visit to CanadaHealing and Reconciliation For Residential……
April 16, 2022
Pope Francis apology
Pope Francis likely to visit Edmonton, Québec City and Iqaluit
Pope Francis is expected to visit at least three cities during a late July trip to Canada, CBC News has learned. Sources involved in the……
April 15, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
Residential School Survivors speak out after Popes’s apology at the Vatican
CBC: Cowessess First Nation, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Lebret Qu’Appelle Indian Industrial Residential School all raised as possible sites. Survivors have been demanding……
April 7, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
Nishnawbe Aski Nation comments on visit to Pope in Rome
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum, on behalf of the NAN Executive Council, has issued the following statement……
April 4, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
BC Assembly of First Nations comments on visit to Pope in Rome
(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George BC) – The BC Assembly of First Nations acknowledges the apology from Pope Francis to First Nations, Métis and Inuit……
April 3, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs comments after visit to Pope in Rome
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement regarding Pope Francis’ apology and his acknowledgement of the terrible abuse……
April 3, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
Truth, Reconciliation, Justice, and Healing: The Métis Experience of Residential Schools
The Métis delegation to Rome prepared the Vatican take-away booklet “Truth, Reconciliation, Justice, and Healing: The Métis Experience of Residential Schools” for the Pope on……
April 3, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation comment on visit to Pope in Rome
Following the separate meetings with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis delegates and Pope Francis this week, the NCTR is issuing the following statement: “This week’s……
April 3, 2022
Indigenous comments after Pope Francis meetings in Rome
AFN comment on visit to Pope in Rome
The AFN supports all 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to encouragingly be aligned to support and assist……
April 1, 2022