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Pope Francis apologized on behalf of the Catholic Church for oppression and “forced assimilation” and the mistreatment of children in religious housing schools in front of indigenous peoples on the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Monday.
Between 1881 and 1996, more than 150,000 indigenous children were separated from their families and brought to housing schools. Many children are allegedly hungry, beaten and sexually abused.
“Sorry, in particular, please forgive me for how many members of the Church and religious groups worked together, especially through their indifference to the projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the government at the time. Housing School System It culminated in. “
Canadian leaders have been aware that many children have died in schools since 1907, but last year after the discovery of an unmarked grave at or near a former residential school. Attracted more attention.
Francisco travels to Canada to apologize for indigenous abuses in Catholic schools
The Catholic Church of Canada says its parish and religious order have provided more than $ 50 million in cash and in-kind donations and hopes to add another $ 30 million over the next five years.
The Pope called his trip a “punishing pilgrimage.”
Francisco warns the German bishop: changing teachings is “not legal”, causing the church to “corrupt and die”
“I will come to your hometown and convey my sorrow directly to you, to plead for God’s forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. To express my intimacy and pray for you and you. “He said.
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The Pope’s speech was once home to the Armineskin Indian Residential School, but is now given because there are schools run by four local Cree countries.
Thousands of tickets were reserved for indigenous survivors of housing schools. Treaty 6 indigenous leaders Francis is visiting in Alberta say they were overwhelmed by the demands of survivors wishing to attend the event.
Fox News Landon Mion, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.