The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement Friday apologizing for the events that took place in residential schools, which were ran by the Catholic Church on behalf of the federal government. The statement says quote “We acknowledge the grave abuses that were committed by some members of our Catholic community”. The statement goes on to say “We also sorrowfully acknowledge the historical and ongoing trauma and the legacy of suffering and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples that continue to this day.” The bishops pointed to a previously announced upcoming meeting between Pope Francis and residential school survivors taking place in December. The bishops added that the meeting will be aimed at seeing how the Pope can quote “support our common desire to renew relationships and walk together along the path of hope in the coming years.” This is the first time the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops have apologized for the horrors that happened in residential schools.
