Pope Francis says the Roman Catholic Church must accept institutional responsibility for its involvement in the residential school system, and the damage it caused to indigenous Canadians.
The pontiff prayed for healing from what he called the “terrible effects of colonization” during a
visit to Lac Sainte Anne in Alberta, a site of pilgrimage for indigenous peoples for centuries.
It marked the annual feast of Ste. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, who is held in particular reverence by indigenous Catholics.
The pope heads to Quebec City later today, and will also visit Iqaluit (ih-KAH-loo-it) before ending his visit to Canada.
