Pope Meets Canadian Indigenous Peoples, Apologizes for Past Christian Wrongs and Seeks Forgiveness

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous peoples on the 25th (local time) during his visit to Canada for the past atrocities committed by the Church.

According to The New York Times (NYT), the Pope met with Indigenous peoples at the site of the former residential school in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, and said, "I humbly ask for forgiveness for the evils committed by many Christians against Indigenous peoples."

Arriving at the site in a wheelchair, the Pope mentioned that these remarks were "directed to all Indigenous communities and individuals." He also expressed "deep regret for many Christians supporting the colonial mindset of the powers that oppressed Indigenous peoples" and said, "I am sorry." He repeatedly apologized, saying, "I ask for forgiveness for the way many members of the Church and religious communities were indifferent and cooperated with the cultural destruction and forced assimilation policies promoted by the government at the time."

Earlier, at three Indigenous residential school sites in Canada, the remains of more than 1,200 Indigenous children were discovered last year, causing shock. These residential schools were established by the Canadian government in the early to mid-19th century to assimilate Indigenous peoples into white society. It was confirmed that these schools separated children from their parents and subjected them to physical, sexual, and mental abuse. The NYT reported that "Christianity was used as a weapon to destroy Indigenous cultures and communities."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On this day, the Pope emphasized the need to remember the past wounds despite the risk of reopening them. He said, "It is necessary to remember how destructive the assimilation and liberation policies, including residential schools, were to the people of this land," and "I am grateful for the awareness this has brought."

He also referred to such abuses, often carried out with missionary zeal, as a "disastrous mistake" that erodes people, their cultures, and values. Furthermore, he stressed, "Asking for forgiveness is not the end of the matter," and expressed hope for further investigations and concrete measures to help survivors begin the path to healing and reconciliation.

Before his speech that day, the Pope visited the nearby Ermineskin Cemetery to spend time in prayer.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.