Abuse in boarding schools: Pope plans trip to Canada to meet indigenous people

The graves of hundreds of Indigenous children have been discovered since May on the properties of former church boarding schools in Canada. Pope Francis has now announced that he will be visiting the country. This could be an occasion for a papal pardon.

Pope Francis has agreed to visit the country amid revelations that thousands of Indigenous children have been abused and killed in former Canadian boarding schools. He was invited by the Catholic Episcopal Conference in Canada – “in the context of the long-standing pastoral process of reconciliation with indigenous peoples,” as the Vatican announced. Francis wanted to support the ongoing effort.

Travel time is still open. It simply said: “Francis has indicated his desire to visit the country on time”. Pilgrimage can be an occasion for a papal pardon.

Over 1000 graves discovered

Since late May, more than 1,000 graves with children’s remains have been discovered by ground penetrating radar on former boarding school properties in Canada. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it is estimated that more than 100,000 children of Indigenous mothers were placed – often forcibly – in Canadian homes. Many of the more than 130 institutions across the country were run by Catholic religious orders. They should introduce the children to “Christian Civilization” on behalf of the state.

Often children were not allowed to speak their mother tongue. an unknown number of children and adolescents were physically or sexually abused; Many died of infectious diseases.

apologize to the church

Indigenous tribal leaders last asked Francis to apologize on behalf of the Catholic Church on Canadian soil. A similar demand was made by the Canadian government as well. Canada’s Indigenous Relations Minister, Mark Miller, said he expected the pope to “fully appreciate the damage” done to indigenous peoples. Miller said, “In the broader context of what we call reconciliation for indigenous peoples, this absolute recognition is something the Holy Father himself has long awaited.”

Meeting with survivors at the Vatican

Pope had already agreed in December to meet with indigenous survivors of notorious Canadian boarding schools. The Episcopal Conference announced that Francis had invited delegations of survivors to the Vatican and that they would meet in three groups – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – from 17 to 20 December. In the end, he would lead the audience with all three groups.

Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins said the December meetings would help lay the foundation for the Pope’s visit to Canada. “Over the course of several days, Pope Francis will hear directly from those who have suffered through authentic listening and dialogue.”

Canada’s Catholic bishops apologized weeks ago for the suffering caused by the church’s involvement in the former boarding system for Indigenous children. “We recognize the grave abuse perpetrated by some members of our Catholic community: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, cultural and sexual,” said the bishop’s statement on the issue that has been simmering for months. He insisted that the boarding school system included several Catholic religious communities and dioceses, resulting in the suppression of the language, culture and spirituality of the indigenous people.