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As news spread on Monday of Pope Francis’ passing at the age of 88, Catholics throughout Alberta joined communities around the globe in mourning the loss of a revered leader.
Caesar Blanco, attending morning mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary, expressed that the pope’s legacy encapsulated a message of ‘hope’ for all, regardless of faith. Andy Lok, who participated in mass at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton, described him as a “people’s pope,” emphasizing his connection to everyday believers.
Those gathered in Edmonton remembered Pope Francis as a staunch advocate for the underprivileged, marginalized, and disenfranchised, highlighting his commitment to social justice during his tenure.
For many in Alberta, Pope Francis’ most significant contribution is seen in his historic apology to Indigenous communities for the trauma endured through church-operated residential schools, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous youth into Euro-centric culture.
Approximately 150,000 Indigenous children were compelled to attend these schools, a significant number of which were managed by the Catholic Church. The demand for an apology intensified following the revelations of numerous unmarked graves at several school sites, where hundreds of children, estimated at around 4,120, perished.
On July 25, 2022, Pope Francis delivered an apology in Maskwacis, Alberta, where thousands, including dignitaries and survivors, gathered to hear his words. As he addressed the crowd, he stated, “I’m sorry,” urging forgiveness for the wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples by many Christians.
The emotional response from the audience was palpable—where applause and cheers mingled with tears and embraces, illustrating the deep impact of his words.
Chief Wilton Littlechild, a residential school survivor and former commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, presented Pope Francis with a traditional headdress as a symbol of respect and gratitude.
For numerous survivors and their families, this moment represented a vital step towards healing and reconciliation. Gilday Soosay, who met with the pope, recounted how transformative his visit was for the Indigenous community, referring to it as a long-awaited miracle that could alleviate feelings of resentment towards the church and government.
The groundwork for Pope Francis’ visit to Canada began months prior when Indigenous leaders engaged with him during a meeting at the Vatican. Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, who accompanied the delegation, remarked that the pope’s attentive listening during their discussions underscored his commitment to those who feel marginalized and need healing.
“It was a powerful example of his dedication to advocating for the poor and those in pain,” Smith noted, reflecting on the profound impact of those conversations for both the Indigenous leaders and the pope himself.
Francis’ remarkable journey in Canada, only his fourth visit to the country, included a mass at Commonwealth Stadium and a pilgrimage to a sacred site in Lac Ste. Anne, where he honored Indigenous tradition by wearing a red Métis sash.
On his flight back, when questioned about the events at residential schools and the term “genocide,” Pope Francis responded affirmatively, acknowledging the profound cultural and spiritual harm inflicted upon Indigenous peoples.
Three years post-visit, Chief Desmond Bull emphasized that while the road to healing remains long, there is profound gratitude towards the pope for his acknowledgment of past injustices and his role in fostering dialogue and recognition of historical trauma. “I’m a product of the residential school systems,” he shared, reflecting on the intergenerational effects of trauma. “For me, I am grateful that he had done that, you know, and history books will recognize that.”
Source
globalnews.ca