Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous delegates for residential schools

Pope Francis has apologized for the Roman Catholic Church’s involvement in residential schools.

The Pontiff asked for God’s forgiveness for the deplorable conduct of members of the Catholic Church.

Francis participated in private meetings this week with representatives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to hear their personal stories of the tragedies that occurred in residential schools across Canada.

Residential school survivors had been calling for a papal apology for the Catholic Church’s role in the abuse and deaths of thousands of children.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools and more than 60 per cent of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.

During his final meeting with the group, Francis said he was “ashamed” and “indignant” at all they had endured.

He vowed to visit Canada but a date has not been set for the trip.

Delegates said it could be as soon as this summer.