Vatican says Pope Francis willing to visit Canada as Indigenous leaders seek apology

The Vatican says Pope Francis is willing to visit Canada, as Indigenous leaders call on him apologize for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools. The Vatican said in a statement that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops invited Francis to travel to Canada in the 'context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.'

The Vatican says Pope Francis is willing to visit Canada, as Indigenous leaders call on him apologize for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

The Vatican said in a statement that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops invited Francis to travel to Canada in the "context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."

The statement said the Pope indicated his "willingness" to do so at an undetermined date.

The development comes ahead of a trip to the Vatican that First Nations, Metis and Inuit leaders plan to take in December to meet with Francis in the hope of securing an apology.