Pope Francis apologized for residential schools during historic Canadian visit | CBC News

CBC - 21/04
As Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis, the religious leader is being remembered for his historic apology for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

On a warm July day in 2022, thousands of dignitaries, Indigenous leaders and residential school survivors travelled from across Canada to powwow grounds in central Alberta.

For some, the journey took days. For others, decades.

They had all come to hear Pope Francis apologize for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

Francis died Monday at the Vatican. He was 88.

It was on the stage at Maskwacis, Alta., where Francis made history.

He said he was sorry and ashamed for abuses committed by some members of the Catholic Church, as well as for the cultural destruction and forced assimilation that culminated in the schools.

WATCH | Historic apology from Pope Francis unfolds in Alberta: 

How the Pope’s visit to Canada unfolded in 11 minutes

3 years ago
Duration 11:51
Pope Francis recently completed a six-day 'pilgrimage of penance' in Alberta, Quebec and Nunavut. First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities reflected on his apology and visit with hope, disappointment and calls for action...
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