Indigenous representatives for the Métis, Inuit and the Assembly of First Nations who met with Pope Francis this week said that while the formal apology the Holy Father delivered during a livestream for the assembly earlier Friday was "long overdue" and accepted, there was still more work to be done.
In his address, Francis said that he was "grieved" by the stories he was told about residential schools and asked for forgiveness both from God but also from Indigenous people.
Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Gerald Antoine said that while it was a historic step by the Pope, they would take it as a "gesture of good faith" that he would still come and apologize to their families on Indigenous land.
Natan Obed, the leader of the Inuit delegation and president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said that he was "extremely touched" by the way in which Pope Francis expressed sorrow and condemned the Catholic Church "in particular regards," but said they would continue to push for ongoing action with the Church.
Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron also remarked not only on the apology, but the work done this week by the various Indigenous groups that met with the Pope. She said it was a clear message that by working together with our Inuit and First Nations brothers and sisters we can accomplish anything."
The Pope committed to coming to Canada to visit Indigenous families in their homeland. He did not indicate whether he would apologize again on Canadian soil, as has been requested by residential school survivors. Instead, he said he looked forward to being able to “better express to you my closeness.”
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-800-721-0066) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.
For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/8727423/pope-francis-apologizes-residential-schools-vatican-delegation/
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In his address, Francis said that he was "grieved" by the stories he was told about residential schools and asked for forgiveness both from God but also from Indigenous people.
Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Gerald Antoine said that while it was a historic step by the Pope, they would take it as a "gesture of good faith" that he would still come and apologize to their families on Indigenous land.
Natan Obed, the leader of the Inuit delegation and president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said that he was "extremely touched" by the way in which Pope Francis expressed sorrow and condemned the Catholic Church "in particular regards," but said they would continue to push for ongoing action with the Church.
Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron also remarked not only on the apology, but the work done this week by the various Indigenous groups that met with the Pope. She said it was a clear message that by working together with our Inuit and First Nations brothers and sisters we can accomplish anything."
The Pope committed to coming to Canada to visit Indigenous families in their homeland. He did not indicate whether he would apologize again on Canadian soil, as has been requested by residential school survivors. Instead, he said he looked forward to being able to “better express to you my closeness.”
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-800-721-0066) is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience.
For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/8727423/pope-francis-apologizes-residential-schools-vatican-delegation/
Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#PopeFrancis #GlobalNews
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