Papal apology for mistreatment of Canadian native tribes

April 29, 2009

After his regular weekly public audience on April 29, Pope Benedict XVI met with leaders of Canadian native tribes, and offered an apology for the abuses that occurred at the "residential schools" serving native children in Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries. The schools separated native children from their families and strongly discouraged any manifestations of their native culture; there have also been reports of sexual and physical abuse in the institutions, most of which were operated by the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict expressed his "sorrow at the anguish caused by the deplorable conduct of some members of the Church."

 

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Further information:

• Pope shows 'sorrow' over residential school abuse (Calgary Herald)
• Pope meets with Canadian aboriginal representatives (VIS)