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Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous delegates for residential schools, to visit Canada

Pope Francis, wearing his white robes, extends his hand over a paper he is reading at a long microphone.
Domenico Stinellis
/
AP
Pope Francis speaks from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square in June. Francis expressed sorrow for the treatment of Indigenous people in Canada, but did not offer an apology at the time.

Pope Francis has apologized for the Roman Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

Francis also said he will come to Canada during a final meeting with First Nations, Inuit and Mtis delegates at the Vatican.

Each of the groups had told the Pope in meetings earlier this week that they hoped he would apologize for the Roman Catholic Church's role in the institutions during an upcoming trip.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools and more than 60% of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.

Around 190 people, including delegates, family and supporters, gathered to share spiritual practices and hear the Pope's words during the final address.

Elder Fred Kelly prayed for the children who went to residential schools and healing in the future.

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