The Vatican says Pope Francis has agreed to go to Canada to assist ongoing efforts at reconciliation with Indigenous peoples following surprising revelations of the Catholic church’s function within the abuse and deaths of 1000’s of Indigenous youngsters.
In a short assertion on Wednesday, the Vatican mentioned the Canadian Convention of Catholic Bishops has invited the pope to make an apostolic journey to Canada “additionally within the context of the long-standing pastoral technique of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”
The Vatican mentioned Francis has indicated his “willingness” to go to Canada at a date to be decided.
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Given the time normally required to arrange an abroad papal go to, it appeared unlikely such a pilgrimage may occur this yr.
A couple of months in the past, Francis agreed to fulfill in December with Indigenous survivors of Canada’s infamous residential colleges amid requires a papal apology for the Catholic Church’s function.
At the moment, the bishops convention mentioned the pontiff had invited the delegations to the Vatican and would meet individually with three teams – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – throughout their Dec. 17-20 go to.
The pope will then preside over a closing viewers with all three teams Dec. 20, in response to the bishops group.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
