Delegation to Rome - 2022

A Historic Step Toward Healing and Reconciliation

From March 28 to April 1, 2022, a delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth – as well as support staff – journeyed together from across the country to meet with Pope Francis, accompanied by a small group of Canadian Bishops. Métis, Inuit, and First Nations delegations met with the Holy Father over three days.

The visit to Rome concluded with a final audience on April 1st, where Pope Francis met with all three Indigenous groups together. At that time, the Holy Father offered a historic apology for the Church’s role in the residential school system and expressed his intention to come to Canada to offer an apology on Canadian soil.

Pope Francis Apologizes to Indigenous Peoples, Will Come to Canada

Pope Francis shared a heartfelt message during the historic final audience with the Indigenous delegates:

“I also feel shame… sorrow and shame for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, and the abuses you suffered and the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values.

For the deplorable conduct of these members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God’s forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart, I am very sorry. And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops, in asking your pardon.”

His Holiness expressed his hope to visit Canada “soon,” possibly around the Feast of St. Anne on July 26.

VIDEO: “The Pope is with You”

Chief Dr. Willie Littlechild – “I am overwhelmed emotionally”

Métis Delegate Angie Crerar – Final Briefing Message & Prayer

“Now we’re brothers, sisters.” — Archbishop Smith Recaps the Visit

Media Briefing After the Final Papal Audience

Father Susai from Edmonton’s local Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples (declared the National Catholic Parish for Indigenous Catholics) accompanied the delegations. He was able to personally present Pope Francis with the gift of an orange sash after the encounter:

VIDEO: Interview with First Nations Papal Delegate Chief Willie Littlechild

Chief Littlechild, of the Ermineskin First Nation, is a former Treaty Six Nations grand chief and former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He has worked with the United Nations for more than 40 years advocating for Indigenous Peoples, and he is a survivor of residential school.

Chief Willie Littlechild was among the delegates traveling to Vatican City on March 28 to meet with His Holiness Pope Francis as part of national healing and reconciliation efforts.

Sacred Fire and Prayer Wave in Support of Indigenous Delegation to Rome

On March 28, 2022, as the encounter begins, in solidarity with the Indigenous Fire Keepers keeping the Sacred Fire in your region and across this land, we invite all of you to light a fire or a candle and to pray. It is suggested each Diocese/Eparchy partner with the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Knights of Columbus, and/or other groups to ensure commitment to continuous prayer across each region’s prayer time zone(s).

  • ATLANTIC: NS, PEI, NL and NB 5 am – 9 am
  • EASTERN: QC, NU 8 am – 11 am; ON, NU 11 am – 1 pm
  • CENTRAL: MB 12 noon – 3 pm; SK 3 pm – 6 pm
  • MOUNTAIN: AB, NWT 5 pm – 8 pm; YT, NWT 8 pm – 11 pm
  • PACIFIC: BC 9 pm – 11 pm

We, the Catholic faithful, have an opportunity to be in spiritual solidarity with the delegation in Rome by educating ourselves on the history of residential schools in Canada and by praying that the Holy Spirit may guide these grace-filled encounters.

Read more about the Sacred Fire and Prayer Wave

VIDEO: Interview with Métis Papal Delegate Angie Crerar

VIDEO: What is Reconciliation? — Fr. Cristino Bouvette

Fr. Cristino Bouvette, of the Catholic Diocese of Calgary, shares his understanding of reconciliation and his unique perspective as an Indigenous Roman Catholic priest.

VIDEO: Alberta Delegate Gary Gagnon Speaks About the Indigenous Delegations

VIDEO: Chief Littlechild & Archbishop Smith on Kamloops and Reconciliation

VIDEO: Bishop McGrattan on Responding to Indigenous Issues

VIDEO: Archbishop Smith Talks About Upcoming Indigenous Delegation to Rome

February 1, 2022 – The Canadian Catholic Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced that the delegation to Rome, originally planned for December 2021, has been rescheduled to the end of March and early April 2022.

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the December visit was postponed for safety reasons. Working closely with the Vatican, new dates have been confirmed. The Holy Father will meet with Indigenous delegations the week of March 28, 2022, followed by a final audience on April 1, 2022.

The health and safety of all delegates remain a priority. Conditions will continue to be monitored in consultation with health officials and relevant authorities.

We remain committed to walking toward healing and reconciliation, and we look forward to the opportunity for Indigenous Elders, survivors, youth, and leaders to meet with Pope Francis.

For further information: Download the Announcement:

While in Rome, the Pope will grant three private audiences with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit delegates respectively, followed by a fourth encounter with the entire group.

Three of the official delegates are from Alberta: Chief Wilton Littlechild of Maskwacis, Angie Crerar of Grande Prairie, and Gary Gagnon of St. Albert.

As part of the group of Bishops collaborating with Indigenous leadership nationally, I will accompany the delegation, along with Bishop William McGrattan of Calgary. We are deeply aware of the historic significance of this gathering with Pope Francis and rely on your prayerful support.

Read Archbishop Smith’s Letter to the Faithful: Special Delegation of Indigenous Peoples to Encounter Pope Francis in Rome (PDF)

News Story – 26 March 2022: Indigenous Delegation in Rome, Will Be Livestreamed