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April 2, 2022

Anna Murray 

On April 1st, Pope Francis has made an apology for the actions of some Catholic Church members in Canada's residential schools, following meeting with Indigenous leaders from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as survivors of Canada's residential schools in the Vatican.

Hundreds of human remains were uncovered on the grounds of old Canadian residential schools last June. Over 4,000 Indigenous children perished due to disregard or abuse at residential schools, most of which were administered by the Catholic Church, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops made an apology and expressed deep regret for its role in the residential school system last year, but Indigenous leaders have long demanded an apology from Pope Francis.

“I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry.” Pope Francis said and expressed remorse during his audience with the full Indigenous delegation to the Vatican on April 1st. He also conveyed “sorrow and shame” for some of the Catholics, especially those who have educational obligations. He apologized for everything that had happened to the victims, and promised to visit Canada.