At The Vatican Pope Francis Apologizes For Residential Schools In Canada: ‘I Ask For God’s Forgiveness’
etcanada.comWarning: This story deals with disturbing subject matter that may upset and trigger some readers. Discretion is advised. Pope Francis has delivered a formal apology for the grave harm caused by Canada’s harrowing residential school system.
In a livestreamed audience with more than 190 Indigenous survivors, elders, knowledge keepers, youth and community leaders on Friday, he said he was “deeply grieved” by stories of abuse, hardship and discrimination he heard throughout the week. “All this made me feel two things very strongly — indignation and shame,” he said before a packed room at the Vatican. “Indignation, because it is not right to accept evil, and even worse to grow accustomed to evil as if it were an inevitable part of the historical process. “All these things are contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the deplorable conduct of these members of the Catholic Church — I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart, I am very sorry.” Read more: ‘What drove me is the children’: Longest-serving chief in Canada presses Pope for justice He said he joined his “brothers”— in the room — six members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops — in asking for the forgiveness of Indigenous peoples as well.
Those in the meeting, many dressed in formal regalia, listened and watched intently as the Holy Father lauded the richness of Indigenous culture, spirituality and languages.
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