According to Canadian Catholic Church officials, Pope Francis will not come to Canada to personally apologize for the church’s involvement in residential schools.
Many of the country’s residential schools were run by churches, joining the federal government in an effort to assimilate Indigenous children. The damage this process has caused has been well-documented, especially in the report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called it “cultural genocide.”
Among the 94 TRC recommendations was for the Pope to personally apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools.
Bishop Lionel Gendron, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, released a letter on Tuesday addressed to Indigenous Peoples of Canada. In the letter, he spoke on Pope Francis’s decision not to personally apologize.
“The Holy Father is aware of the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he takes seriously. As far as Call to Action #58 is concerned, after carefully considering the request and extensive dialogue with the Bishops of Canada, he felt that he could not personally respond,” the letter read.
Gendron’s letter also says the Pope has not ruled out a visit to Canada and a meeting with Indigenous Peoples. In the meantime, Gendron says the Pope is encouraging Canadian bishops to continue working with Indigenous Peoples on reconciliation issues and projects that help with healing.
“Pope Francis… has spoken often and passionately about the plight of Indigenous peoples around the world and the wisdom they offer, not shying away from acknowledging those injustices that have failed to conform to the Gospel and expressing regret for past wrongs. He has pointed to Indigenous Peoples as critical dialogue partners to whom the Church needs to listen,” the letter stated.
Despite the decision from Pope Francis, Gendron asserts that Canadian bishops are dedicated to the TRC process and are committed to reconciliation.
A full copy of the letter can be found here.
(PHOTO: Pope Francis. Courtesy cccb.ca)