Pope Francis says he is in Canada to express his grief and ask forgiveness for boarding schools.
The pope addresses residential school survivors and elders in Muskwatzis, Alta., where the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School was one of the largest institutions in the country.
Francis says he feels sorrow, outrage and shame.
Read more: Pope Francis in Canada: Translators to deliver apology in local languages
He says the memory of the children who studied in the schools is painful and every child should be treated with love, respect and dignity.
An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children have been forced to attend schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse are widespread.
Story continues below the ad
More than 60 percent of schools are run by the Catholic Church.
People arrive in Maskwacis, Alta., Monday, July 25, 2022, to hear from Pope Francis. Global news
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon attended, along with other political and indigenous leaders.
Organizers say sacred fires will be lit in communities across the country in solidarity.
An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children have been forced to attend schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse are widespread. More than 60 percent of schools are run by the Catholic Church.
Francis is scheduled to speak later Monday to Indigenous people and parishioners at Edmonton’s Sacred Heart Church.
2:47 Pope Francis visit sparks mixed feelings among residential school survivors Pope Francis visit sparks mixed feelings among residential school survivors
Later in the week, the pope plans to host a large outdoor Mass at the city’s soccer stadium and participate in a pilgrimage at nearby Lac Ste. Anne before traveling to Quebec City and Iqaluit.
Story continues below the ad
Francis arrived on Sunday for the six-day trip aimed at reconciliation with the indigenous population.
A small crowd of dignitaries at the Edmonton airport included Trudeau, Simon and local leaders. The pope made brief private remarks with organizers, saying he reserved public statements for Monday’s events.
Related news
-
Pope Francis’ visit stirs mixed feelings among residential school survivors
-
‘Let’s be careful’: Pope Francis speaks ahead of arrival in Canada for trip focused on indigenous reconciliation
Read more: Pope Francis arrives in Canada for indigenous reconciliation trip
Treaty 6 Grand Chief George Arcand Jr. said many people in the local community were skeptical and hurt, but the apology could be the start of a new journey.
“Many people have always thought that an apology is nothing but empty words. But when the Pope announced that he would come to Alberta and speak to our people, people started to feel like there was a sense of hope,” he said.
Arcand Jr. said the apology doesn’t erase the past, but sets a path for communities to recover and work with the church if necessary.
Indigenous leaders said they were concerned the visit would reopen old wounds. Arcand Jr. called for more mental health support to be introduced.
“I hope that when we hear an apology, we will have the tools and support we need to help bring people back together.”
Story continues below the ad
15
Pope Francis visits the Ermineskin Cemetery in Maskvatsis, Altai, Monday, July 25, 2022. Global News
25
Pope Francis takes a moment at Ermineskin Cemetery in Maskwacis, Alta., Monday, July 25, 2022. Global News
35
The site in Maskwacis, Alta., Monday, July 25, 2022, as Pope Francis visits the area south of Edmonton. Global news
45
Pope Francis arrives in Maskwatzis, Alta., Monday, July 25, 2022. Global News
55
Crowds gather to see Pope Francis speak in Maskwacis, Alta., Monday, July 25, 2022. Global News
Related news
© 2022 The Canadian Press
Add Comment