Pope Francis is greeted by George Arcand, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, as he arrives in Edmonton on Sunday, July 24, 2022. His visit to Canada is aimed at reconciliation with Indigenous people for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

Pope Francis expesses sorrow, asks for forgiveness for residential schools

Jul 25, 2022 | 11:24 AM

MASKWACIS, AB – Pope Francis says he is in Canada to express his sorrow and ask for forgiveness for residential schools.

The Pope is giving an address before residential school survivors and elders in Maskwacis, Alta., where the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School was one of the largest institutions in the country.

Francis says he feels sorrow, indignation, and shame.

He says the memory of children who attended the schools is painful and every child should be treated with love, honour, and respect.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse were rampant.

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More than 60% of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 25, 2022.

READ MORE: ‘Deplorable evil’: Full text of the Pope’s residential school apology