News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-POPE credit REUTERS header.JPG
Reuters
HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-POPE credit REUTERS thumb.JPG
Reuters
World News

Pope Francis meets Indigenous groups as apology for residential schools sought

by Sophie Drew

The Pope has met with Indigenous groups in Canada, as calls for an apology have gained momentum.

A number of Indigenous people were invited to the Vatican, in order to meet Pope Francis, following the discovery of more than 1,300 unmarked graves.

The graves belonged to Indigenous people sent to church-led residential schools across the country, away from their communities and cultures. 

The move was part of the Canadian Government's policy on mandatory assimilation. 

Around 150,000 children, including Metis and Inuit, were enrolled in the residential schools during the 19th Century. 

Many were forced to spend months, or often years, isolated from their families, language and culture, and forced to adopt 'mainstream' cultural norms instead. 

Some residential schools became places of physical and sexual abuse, as well as severe neglect and malnutrition. 

In 2015, a report found that the government policy was an act of "cultural genocide."

The Catholic Church has said it is sorry for the role it played in the tragedy, but many are keen for Pope Francis to apologise personally. 

The Pope heard stories from the Metis National Council and representatives of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

The stories regale the horrors experienced by those enrolled in the schools.

The Pontiff will welcome further meetings over the coming days. 

 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate