In a historic and long-awaited first, Pope Francis issued a formal apology to Indigenous delegates on Friday for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. Speaking in Italian to a Metis, Inuit and First Nations delegation, the pontiff asked for God’s forgiveness for the “deplorable conduct” of members of the church. The papal apology had been long sought by survivors of Canada’s church- and government-run residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Reporter Calvi Leon asked area Indigenous leaders about their thoughts on the apology. Read More
Indigenous leaders speak out after Pope’s apology for residential schools
