Pope Francis’ Apology: Encounter and Meaning

Abstract

On April 1, 2022, Pope Francis apologized to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit delegates (Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth) who travelled from Canada to Rome to meet with the Pope. The article explores the meaning and impact of the encounter between the Indigenous delegates and the Pope. It also considers the deep impression the Pope’s apology made not only on those delegates present in Rome but also on so many others back in Canada whom the delegates represented. Why did the encounter and the apology have such a profound impact on the delegates present in Rome and on so many of their fellow survivors of residential schools? Along with exploring this question, the article considers the importance of encounters taking place in both “lodges” – both in Rome and in Canada. It also briefly explores how the encounters and meetings were guided by an ethical stance that made the meetings possible.