Pope Francis apologizes for excluding Canadian communities, including Winnipeg, during pilgrimage
CTV
Pope Francis has apologized for not being able to attend multiple Canadian communities, including Winnipeg, during his penitential pilgrimage to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.
Pope Francis has apologized for not being able to attend multiple Canadian communities, including Winnipeg, during his penitential pilgrimage to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system.
Speaking to residential school survivors in Maskwacis, Alta. Monday morning, the Pope said the pilgrimage would not allow him to accept the many invitations to speak in several communities, specifically mentioning Winnipeg, Kamloops, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and various places in Saskatchewan.
“Nonetheless, please know that all of you are in my thoughts and in my prayer. Know that I am aware of the sufferings and traumas, the difficulties and challenges, experienced by the Indigenous peoples in every region of this country,” Pope Francis said to the gathered crowd speaking through a translator in Spanish. “The words that I speak throughout this penitential journey are meant for every native community and person. I embrace all of you with affection.”
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said the Vatican selected the cities based on the length of the trip, the vast size of Canada, and the health of the 85-year-old pontiff.
Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, general coordinator of the trip for the conference, said the Pope is limited in how he can travel. He can no longer ride in helicopters and he cannot be in a vehicle for more than an hour. He must also rest in between events.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs reacted positively to the apology.
"The apology issued by Pope Francis on our Nations' ancestral lands is a step for many towards healing,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean in a statement.
