Personal Reflection on Pope Francis’ apology from Donna McGreal, Concerned Lay Catholics Indigenous Relations Lead – April 2, 2022
As a non-Indigenous supporter and student of Indigenous justice issues and a friend to Indigenous peoples, I have an ongoing interest and dedication to the possibility of reconciliation. As we move closer to it, I am providing you with the statement made by The Honourable Murray Sinclair, Former Chair, Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada on Pope Francis’ comment to Indigenous delegates in Rome and comments from Pope Francis.
The Honourable Murray Sinclair:
“I want to acknowledge the Pope’s apology today. This is an important moment for Indigenous peoples, for Canada and for Catholics around the world. It is long past time that the Church will begin to take responsibility for its role in the Residential School System. It was a dark chapter of Canada’s colonialist history, one which the Church was a key co-author.
There has been ongoing harm against Catholics as a result of the injustices perpetrated by the Church. My grandmother was a strong Catholic…she would have reason to be proud today.
Today, the Pope has put the Church on a better path. It allows Catholics to return to the strength of their faith. The hope, faith, justice, and truth that Survivors have sought for so long are indeed Catholic value. Now is the time to return to those values and learn from them as we walk forward together on the path of reconciliation…the Stories of residential school Survivors belong in Church services and Sunday schools. It was a great injustice that Catholics—and all people—must learn from.
As these milestones occur, and as we uncover more graves and records, I hope that all Canadians take these moments to learn and reflect. Ask yourself: What are you doing to support the work of reconciliation?”
The full text can be found at:
Pope Francis:
“You have brought the living sense of your communities here in Rome. I will be happy to benefit again from meeting you by visiting your native lands, where your families live.”
Pope Francis has said that he will travel to Canada in the summer, possibly for the feast of St. Anne on July 26, 2022.