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.
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.