It was a momentous few days in late March and early April for an Indigenous delegation from across what we call Canada to the Vatican in Rome. During that time Pope Francis listened as the 32 representatives spoke about the terrible impact of the Residential School System which was run by different Christian denominations but particularly the Roman Catholic Church. Francis apologized to individuals and the delegation as a whole. He also promised to make a visit to Canada this year to offer apologies.
After all the media attention of that week there has been less coverage but we are still hearing about the repercussions. Those who travelled to Rome have been criticized by some for making the trip. Others are angered by the wording of the apology, feeling that it lays blame on individual abusers but lets the church as an institution off the hook. Sadly, a number of individuals have been the target of anger for suggesting that the apology was heartfelt and that they accepted it. No one should be surprised by the range of response, but many of the delegates are elderly and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
We now know that Pope Francis plans to be in Canada in July and will likely make stops in Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit during what is scheduled to be about a four-day trip to the country. There is concern that Canadian bishops haven't been negotiating adequately with Indigenous leaders about the trip or agenda, which is discouraging, to say the least.
All this serves as reminder to pray for those who made the trip to the Vatican so that they feel safe and that the outcome of their courageous choice to meet with Francis will lead to honest, respectful reconciliation and change. And that paying attention to the news about this trip is a form of prayer in itself.
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