Pope Francis Apologizes to Indigenous Delegates for Canada’s Residential Schools

Indigenous artists from across Canada perform in St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on April 1, 2022. Pope Francis on that day made a historic apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Catholic-run Indian residential schools in Canada. The pontiff said he hoped to visit Canada in late July to deliver the apology in person. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Pope Francis delivered an official apology today to Canadian indigenous communities for the Catholic Church’s role in the country’s residential schools system.

“I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry,” Francis said, addressing roughly 190 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis delegates on April 1 at the Vatican.