OTTAWA – Archbishop Gerard Pettipas recalls the “celebratory feel” 10 years ago when Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized for the government’s Indian residential schools policy.

Though it all hinges on an invitation from Canada’s bishops, the superior general of the world’s 17,000 Jesuits — including Pope Francis — is certain the Pope will issue an apology on Canadian soil for Catholic involvement in Canada’s residential school system.

OTTAWA – The Minister of Indigenous Affairs has asked the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, a coalition of Catholic groups, to help government efforts to obtain a papal apology for the Church’s role in residential schools.

Indian residential schools were established by Canada’s federal government, but Christian churches, including the Catholic Church, bought into the plan with enthusiasm.

OTTAWA – Those on the front lines of reconciliation are hopeful Pope Francis will say what needs to be said at the right time, in spite of the “pressure” that has been put on a papal apology on Canadian soil.

OTTAWA – Pope Francis is unlikely to be swayed by a House of Commons near-unanimous motion calling on him to apologize in Canada for abuses at Catholic run residential schools, said Archbishop Richard Gagnon.

A small handmade gift can have a big impact. 

When we arrived here, we took their land. Then we took their children. In 2018, we’re taking away the hope of sincere reconciliation.

OTTAWA – The long-running debate over Pope Francis’ views on marriage and the family will eventually result in a more unified Church, says a prominent Catholic author.

OTTAWA – In a rare show of unanimity, the House of Commons has overwhelmingly supported a motion to call on Pope Francis to apologize on Canadian soil for abuses that occurred at church-run residential schools.

OTTAWA – A House of Commons motion to formally ask Pope Francis to apologize on Canadian soil for the Church’s role in residential school abuses appears set to pass with near unanimous consent.

REGINA – Archbishop Donald Bolen can tell you why we can’t just get over it and move on when it comes to our relationship with Canada’s Indigenous people.

OTTAWA – Canada’s bishops’ conference is pushing back against “inaccuracies” in a proposed Parliamentary motion that will call on them to formally invite Pope Francis to apologize for the Church’s role in residential schools.