Two years on from Pope Francis historic “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada, the nation’s bishops say they “remain committed to walking in solidarity and listening to the experiences of Indigenous Peoples to guide the path forward.”
In a Letter addressed to “The People of God,” the bishops say they continue to reflect “on the profound sorrow Pope Francis expressed for the devastating effects of the residential school system on Indigenous communities, and on the journey of reconciliation and healing we have embarked on together.”
The bishops go on to highlight some of the initiatives undertaken by the Church in Canada since the Pope’s visit. The first involves financial support for Indigenous priorities, with the Bishops pledging to raise thirty million Canadian dollars over the course of five years for projects aimed at supporting healing and reconciliation. Over half of that amount has already been raised, with funds going to initiatives identified by local Indigenous com-munities and overseen by the Indigenous reconciliation fund.
The bishops have also committed them-selves to “transparent access” to mission, sacramental, and burial records, as well as other documentation. “Pope Francis emphasized the significance of uncovering and recognizing truths about the historical injustices faced by residential school survivors and their families,” the bishops say, adding, “Truth must come before recon-ciliation.”
Finally, the bishops acknowledged “the many difficult conversations around the country regarding our painful legacy.” Recognizing that “this deep desire for truth and transparency resides first with Indigenous communities and residential school survivors,” the bishops encourage dioceses and all Catholics to support local indigenous communities as they delve into the painful history of the residential schools.