Within a controversial context regarding the mistreatment of indigenous Canadians and native children, the country’s bishops’ conference invited Pope Francis to visit the country and strengthen ties of reconciliation
Newsroom (28/10/2021 10:11 AM, Gaudium Press) Invited by the Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pope Francis has made himself available to travel to Canada.
The news was announced on Wednesday, October 27, by the Vatican Press Office. Although he has accepted the invitation, the date of the trip has not yet available.
The purpose of the visit is to foster the bonds of reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the indigenous peoples. For the past months, news concerning the mistreatment of indigenous children in boarding schools has dominated the local headlines focusing on the discovery of children’s remains in boarding schools run by the Church.
The reports shocked Canadian society and generated a wave of hatred against the Catholic Church. Many churches were vandalized and burned down.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, condemned these acts of vandalism. On the other hand, people who suffered from violence during the boarding schools period have spoken out against the arsonist attacks stating that the destruction of temples is not justified as it turns victims into criminals.
After the discovery of the tombs, Francis showed deep dismay at the news and asked the authorities to investigate the details of the crimes. He also encouraged a path of “reconciliation and healing” towards the indigenous people.
In this context, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has expressed its willingness to cooperate in finding out the circumstances of the children’s deaths. The CCCB has put in place a program of reconciliation with the indigenous peoples of the region.
In addition to the invitation extended to Pope Francis to visit Canada, Francis will meet at the Vatican with Canadian bishops and indigenous leaders in December. (FM)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
