Pope Francis He is expected to speak publicly for the first time on his Canadian trip this morning in a meeting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in a community south of Edmonton.
The day’s events begin with a visit to Maskawasis, Alta, where the Pontiff is scheduled to visit the former site of the Erminskine Indian Residential School.
It is expected that this is where the Pope will apologize to the indigenous residential school survivors and their families for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the institutions.
Francis is set to speak with indigenous people and parish members at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Edmonton in the afternoon.
Later in the week, the Pope plans to host a large outdoor group at the city’s football stadium and attend pilgrimages to nearby Lac Sta. Anne, before traveling to Quebec City and Iqaluit.
Francis arrived on Sunday for a six-day visit aimed at reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
A small crowd of dignitaries at Edmonton airport included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General Mary Simon and Indigenous leaders. The Pope made brief private remarks with the organisers, saying he has reserved public statements for today’s events.
Treaty 6 Grand Chief George Arcand Jr. said many in the indigenous community were skeptical and hurt, but the apology could be the start of a new journey.
“Many people have always felt that apologies are nothing but hollow words. But when the Pope announced to come to Alberta and talk to our people, people started to feel that there was a sense of hope in them,” he said.
Archand Jr. said that forgiveness does not erase the past, but sets the way for rebuilding communities and working with the Church if necessary.
An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced into residential schools in Canada, where neglect and physical and sexual abuse were rampant. More than 60 percent of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.
Indigenous leaders have said they are worried the visit will open old wounds. Archand Jr. called for more mental health support.
“I hope that when we do apologize, we have the tools and support we need to help bring people together again.”
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