Last week’s meetings between Indigenous delegates and Pope Francis in Rome were about more than just an apology.
While the delegates acknowledge the historic step that the apology represents, it is only the first step in a long journey to reconciliation.
A number of other asks were made during the week of meetings, including: the revocation of the Doctrine of Discovery, the release of more residential school records, allowance for an Indigenous archivist in Rome, and annual meetings, among others.
They hope that, through these asks, they can help guide the Church down a path to reconciliation, and to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
In addition, Inuit representatives called for the Pope to step in to extradite an Oblates priest accused of sexually assaulting women in Nunavut.
Father Johannes Rivoire was charged with sexual assault earlier this year, and is facing a Canada-wide warrant, though he is living in France.
While France does not usually extradite criminals, the Vatican agreed to look in to the issue and follow-up.
All groups present also stressed the need for the Pope to issue an apology on Canadian soil, something they hope will come during a visit to Canada, possibly taking place this July.
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