VATICAN CITY (AP) — Indigenous leaders from Canada and survivors of the country’s notorious residential schools are meeting with Pope Francis. The first delegation from the Metis Nation told him Monday of the abuses they suffered at the hands of Catholic priests and school workers. They are hoping to secure a papal apology from him and a commitment from the church to reconcile and repair the harm done. This week’s meetings are part of the Canadian church and government’s efforts to respond to Indigenous demands for justice that gained traction last year after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves outside some of the schools.
Canada Indigenous tell pope of abuses at residential schools
