Bishops apologize, Archbishop of Toronto and the Pope do not

By Kaniehtonkie.

With the recent news of 215 children's remains being found at a former residential school in B.C. bishops across Canada have offered their apologies and pray for reconciliation and healing going forward with their parishioners and communities.

However, the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God – The Pope - Pope Francis has not. Following Pope Francis in refusing to apologize is Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto. According to national media, Collins said that taking a "dramatic" step to issue a formal apology from the Pope is 'perhaps not the best route forward in grappling with the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system'.

Collins went so far as to criticize Prime Minister's Trudeau apology and a call to release Church documents as 'unhelpful' and 'unfair'.

"I'm sure there will be further contact with the Holy Father, but I don't know whether seeking always some big and dramatic thing is really the way forward. I think step by step is better and working with other people," Collins said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Live.

Following a meeting with two Canadian cardinals on Saturday, Pope Francis spoke from his studio in St. Peter's Square, saying, "May the political and religious authorities of Canada continue to collaborate with determination to shed light on that sad story and humbly commit themselves to a path of reconciliation and healing."

Addressing pilgrims in St. Peters Square on Sunday, Pope Francis spoke of healing but not of apology.

"The sad discovery further raises awareness of the pains and sufferings of the past. May the political and religious authorities of Canada continue to collaborate with determination to shed light on that sad story and humbly commit themselves to a path of reconciliation and healing," the Pope said.

"These difficult moments represent a strong appeal for all of us, to move away from the colonizing model and also from the ideological colonization of today, and walk side by side in dialogue, in mutual respect and in the recognition of the rights and cultural values of all daughters and sons of Canada."

Trudeau has said he's asked Pope Francis to commit to a number of restitution measures, including releasing of records associated with Canada's residential school system and a formal apology.

Father Ken Thorson, leader of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the religious order that ran Kamloops residential school, said he supports the call for a papal apology and said the apology his order delivered in 1991 for its role in running the Kamloops school had a positive impact.

"I can only imagine how much more powerful the apology would be coming from his holiness, Pope Francis, who the Indigenous peoples have a great love for. So yes, it would be my hope that at some point in the future this apology can happen," Thorson told CBC News Network's Power & Politics.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an apology following the recent discovery at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. The St. Regis Mission, in association with the Diocese of Ogdensburg and the Diocese of Valleyfield released their apology last week.

"As St. Regis is a First Nation reserve linked to the diocese of Valleyfield, I would like to say that I am deeply sorry for what has happened at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. I regret it immensely and I present to you my sincere apology and regrets for this tragedy. I am here for you; I pray for you and I want to walk together with you in solidarity. I am asking all the parishes of the diocese of Valleyfield and pastors to do 2 things, among other possibilities: As June is National Indigenous History Month, parishes are asked to offer an additional Prayer of the Faithful for the entire month during Sunday and daily Masses: For the children who died in the former Kamloops Indian Residential School and for all those impacted by this tragedy, that there may be healing founded on truth and that the Spirit will inspire our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. For this, we pray to the Lord." A moment of silence will be observed at Mass this weekend to remember those who have suffered and to pray for our indigenous brothers and sisters. God bless you," Bishop Noël, Diocese of Valleyfield.

If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419