VATICAN (CNS): Asking for prayers ahead of his July 24 to 29 visit to Canada, Pope Francis described the trip as a “penitential pilgrimage” as part of a commitment to healing and reconciliation with the country’s indigenous people.
“Unfortunately, in Canada, many Christians, including some members of religious institutes, contributed to the policies of cultural assimilation that, in the past, have severely harmed native communities in various ways,” the pope said on July 17, referring to the involvement of dioceses and religious orders in running residential schools.
From the 1870s to the 1990s, the Canadian government, usually in partnership with Christian Churches, operated a residential school system to which over 150,000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit students were sent. Their language and customs were banned, and they often suffered malnourishment and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
“And now I am about to embark on a penitential pilgrimage, which I hope, with God’s grace, will contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken,” the pope said.
Pope Francis’ itinerary is very light, although he will visit the site of a former residential school, a parish for indigenous people, a popular pilgrimage site in Edmonton and another in Quebec, and will meet Inuit elders and young people in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
He will celebrate a public Mass on July 26 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and another on July 28 at the National Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré outside of Quebec. But the Catholic bishops, who are organising the visit, are giving priority for places at both liturgies to residential school survivors and other members of the indigenous communities.
Addressing his “dear brothers and sisters of Canada,” Pope Francis apologised for not being able to meet everyone.
“As you know, I will come among you especially in the name of Jesus to meet and embrace the Indigenous peoples. I thank you in advance for all the work of preparation and for the welcome you will give me. And I ask you to please accompany me in prayer,” the pope said.
