Calgary’s Catholic bishop optimistic about reconciliation after meeting with Pope Francis
Global News
Calgary bishop says he received a message of hope from his meeting with Pope Francis regarding reconciliation.
It was expected to be a chance to share personal stories about the legacy of residential schools with Pope Francis.
A group of around 30 First Nations, Metis and Inuit delegates from across Canada were set to have private meetings with the Pope starting Dec. 17.
But that was called off because of safety concerns with the the spread of Omicron virus.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami issued a joint statement confirming the delay on December 7.
That statement cited “the uncertainty and potential health risks surrounding international travel amid the recent spread of the Omicron variant.” It came after AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald announced the delay at a virtual gathering of chiefs earlier in the day.
A delegation of bishops did meet with the leader of the Catholic church in December. Among them was Calgary’s Bishop William McGrattan.
“He gave us a message of hope,” said McGrattan about the meeting with Pope Francis. “He said you are doing the right things with seeking reconciliation. You are walking with the Indigenous peoples and he said I know it is slow but he said that shouldn’t deter us in terms of choosing that path.”
McGrattan hopes Pope Francis will stand in solidarity with Canadian bishops, who issued an apology last year over the Catholic church’s role in the residential school system.
