The Holy Father is currently meeting with representatives of 22 nations in Eastern Canada whose members were victims of residential schools.
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From the start of his address to the delegations present, Pope Francis once again recalled the penitential aspect of his trip, specifying that he “was not a tourist” in these lands, but rather “as a friend”.
He says he listened to Indigenous peoples during his pilgrimage and better understood the pain of residential school survivors, who were mistreated “by some Catholics” for generations.
“I know that I am now part of your family and I am going home richer,” the pope said from the archdiocese of Quebec, before asking representatives of the First Nations to continue to pray for him.
A few delegates from the invited nations then lined up to shake hands with the sovereign pontiff and offer him gifts.
