Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada could open a profound new period of healing for those who suffered under the stifling custody of the church, as well as their descendants. It all depends on the words the pope chooses.
In April, when a group of survivors visited the Vatican, the pontiff surprised many of them by apologizing during a private audience. | Alessandra Tarantino/AP PhotoOTTAWA, Ont. — Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada, framed by the Vatican as a “pilgrimage of penance” to territories of first peoples, could open a profound new period of healing for those who suffered under the stifling custody of the church, as well as their descendants.
Francis expressed the “sorrow and shame” he felt “for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.”“For the deplorable conduct of these members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry.
The proposed text would also have the pope rescind the doctrine of discovery, a worldview fueled by 15th-century edicts known as Papal Bulls that denied sovereignty of non-Christian peoples as Europeans explored and claimed new lands. If Francis does express regret on behalf of the institution he leads, Fontaine says those words will have deep meaning. “He’s like a rock star. What he has to say, people listen. Parse every word, every sentence. Not to put too much on this, because he’s not a mythical figure,” Fontaine said. “But he can be like that.”
“People will now have a story to tell their children, their grandchildren, about the pope’s visit, and about his acknowledgment that this damage has been done,” she said. “It will also help to explain to Canadians generally that this is the truth of the reconciliation story.” Volunteer Corrine Potts cleans a statue of Saint Anne ahead of Pope Francis' visit to the Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage site in Alberta. | Jessie Wardarski/AP Photo
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mixed emotions for residential school survivor as Pope Francis' visit, apology approachesA group of about 170 delegates are travelling from Saskatchewan to Alberta on Sunday, ahead of Pope Francis\u0027 arrival in Canada.
Read more »
Indigenous Canadians wary, hopeful as pope prepares apologyIndigenous Canadians are voicing a range of skepticism, wariness and hope as Pope Francis prepares to arrive in their country next week. He’s scheduled to deliver a historic apology for abuses at Catholic-run residential schools.
Read more »
Mixed emotions for residential school survivor as Pope Francis' visit, apology approachesA group of about 170 delegates are travelling from Saskatchewan to Alberta on Sunday, ahead of Pope Francis\u0027 arrival in Canada.
Read more »
Vatican says they’re gifts; Indigenous groups want them back“Using the term ‘gift’ [for the artifacts] just covers up the whole history,” said Gloria Bell, a fellow at the American Academy in Rome and asst. professor at McGill University’s art history & communication studies department. Bell is of Metis ancestry.
Read more »
From big trades to emerging prospects, five questions facing the A’s in the second halfThe Oakland A’s could make several trades before the Aug. 2 deadline.
Read more »
Vatican Says Antiquities Are Gifts But Canadian Indigenous Groups Want Them BackIndigenous groups from Canada question how some of the works were actually acquired and wonder what else may be in storage after decades of not being on public display.
Read more »