Trudeau to ask Pope to apologize for residential schools in Canada
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to ask Pope Francis for a formal apology for the role of the Catholic Church in the residential school system when the two meet during a private audience later this month.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission included the demand for a papal apology — to survivors, their families and communities — among the 94 recommendations in its report on the dark history and legacy of residential schools.
Trudeau, who has promised to act on all 94 recommendations, has previously promised to speak to the Pope about an apology, but noted he could not compel him to agree.
“It is a conversation that is going to have to happen between the two gentlemen,” said a federal government official, who spoke to reporters at a technical briefing on the condition that sources not be named.