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 “STALLED?”
July 25, 2022: Pope Francis delivered his apology in Maskwacis, Alberta on Treaty Six territory on the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School. The Pope did not apologize for the Roman Catholic Church as an institution nor did he renounce the Doctrine of Discovery that 500+ years ago initiated the pillaging of Indigenous lands and genocide of Indigenous people throughout the world. Other issues:
- No acknowledgements of sexual abuse in the schools
- No mention of acts of atonement or reparation
- No mention of return of Indigenous artifacts held in Vatican museum
- Access to residential school records held in Church archives
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
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.
Current Status
December 2, 2022
Stalled
Previous Status
October 16, 2022
In Progress
Latest Updates
Site last updated on September 29, 2022
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bishop of Canada deepen their commitments to walk together with Indigenous partners on the healing and reconciliation Journey
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), gathered in Plenary Assembly this week, agreed upon a series of next steps related to the painful legacy……
September 29, 2022
Pope Francis apology
Pope says Indigenous people suffered genocide at residential schools
Toronto Star: ROME – Pope Francis says the abuses Indigenous Peoples faced while being forced to attend residential schools amounted to genocide. The pontiff made……
July 30, 2022
Pope Francis apology
‘I want to tell you how very sorry I am’: Pope’s Iqaluit speech hews close to earlier apology
Pope Francis refers to ‘evil perpetrated by not a few Catholics’ involved in residential school system Paul Tukker · CBC News · Posted: Jul 29, 2022 6:29 PM CT……
July 29, 2022
Indigenous leader comments after Pope’s apology
Chief Roseanne Casimer comments after Pope’s visit to Lac Ste. Anne
ICT: Indian Country Today: LAC STE. ANNE, Alberta, Canada — They gathered at the water as they have for as long as anyone can remember.……
July 27, 2022
Pope Francis apology
Canada’s bishops want Vatican to issue new statement on Doctrine of Discovery
Many Indigenous people hoped Pope Francis would renounce the policy, which has been used to justify colonizing lands considered to be ‘uninhabited’ Pope Francis at……
July 27, 2022
Pope Francis apology
Address of Pope Francis at the Citadelle de Québec
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCISto CANADA(24 – 30 JULY 2022) MEETING WITH CIVIL AUTHORITIES, REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS ……
July 27, 2022
Indigenous leader comments after Pope’s apology
Pope’s apology doesn’t acknowledge church’s role as ‘co-author’ of dark chapter: Murray Sinclair
Former senator Murray Sinclair was the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2009 to 2015. He says the apology the Pope delivered Monday……
July 26, 2022
Indigenous plans for pope’s visit
Inuit Planning And Preparations Set The Stage For Warm Welcome Of Pope Francis To Inuit Homeland
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, together with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivik Corporation and the Nunatsiavut Government, are coordinating efforts for Inuit participation in the Papal Visit to……
July 26, 2022
Indigenous plans for pope’s visit
Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Representatives and Delegation to Join in Events with the Vatican in Edmonton, Maskwacis, and Lac Ste. Anne
NationTalk: The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan welcomes Pope Francis to Canada and hopes this trip will represent another step forward on the shared path of reconciliation for……
July 25, 2022
Indigenous plans for pope’s visit
Nishnawbe Ask Nation Survivors to Attend Events in Edmonton, Quebec City during Papal Visit this Week
NationTalk: EDMONTON, AB: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum will accompany delegations of Indian Residential School Survivors during the Apostolic Journey……
July 25, 2022