Indigenous leaders in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis say they hope the Vatican continues to promote the reconciliation efforts he championed during his papacy.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says the pontiff’s apology for widespread abuses in the residential school system was a significant step in addressing historical injustices.
Canada’s first Indigenous governor general led the Canadian delegation at the funeral, where she reflected on Francis’s monumental visit in 2022 to reach out to Indigenous Peoples.
She and Wilton Littlechild, a residential school survivor who served as a commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, say they hope Francis’s successor continues those efforts.
Simon called the apology “a significant milestone” on the “journey of reconciliation,” while Littlechild said there’s a need to “elevate our work on reconciliation.”
Story continues below advertisement
2:11
‘Greatest act’: Pope Francis remembered for residential school apology
They were among the dignitaries and religious faithful who bid farewell to Pope Francis and remembered his efforts to reach out to marginalized communities including migrants, the poor and the sick.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
“I hope that the new pope will carry on the work that Pope Francis was doing,” Simon said Saturday, reached by phone in Rome hours after the funeral.
“The apology was a significant milestone, and we have to continue working together on the journey of reconciliation. The fact that he came to Canada and apologized on Canadian lands, on Indigenous lands, was very significant.”
Littlechild said it’s important to continue that work for “our healing journeys.”
“I’m hoping that there will be a continuation with the new pope not having to start over, but continue, but elevate the work in terms of really challenging ourselves and each other,” he said.
Story continues below advertisement
1:49
Pope Francis funeral: Thousands fill St. Peter’s Square to pay respects to Catholic leader
The papal visit in July 2022 was described as a “penitential pilgrimage” because Pope Francis insisted on meeting with Indigenous survivors of residential schools and hearing their stories.
In Maskwacis, Alta., Francis begged for forgiveness and expressed shame for abuses committed by some members of the Church. In Nunavut, he met survivors who showcased traditional practices banned in residential schools, including dancing, drumming and throat singing.
Pope Francis adjusts a traditional headdress he was given after his apology to Indigenous people during a ceremony in Maskwacis, Alta., as part of his papal visit across Canada on Monday, July 25, 2022.
Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press
While the visit was recognized as a milestone, some criticized Francis for not naming the crimes and abuses. Others called for action, such as the return of sacred artifacts held by the Vatican.
Simon said it’s essential for the Vatican to continue efforts at reconciliation.
“It’s a long process, but you see things moving forward. And I hope that will continue to happen.”
About 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools, more than 60 per cent of which were run by the Catholic Church.
More on Canada
More videos
© 2025 The Canadian Press
Conclusion: The funeral of Pope Francis marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church, but it also raised questions about the future of reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities. The new pope will face pressure to continue the work started by Francis, including addressing the historical injustices committed by the Church and promoting healing and reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What was the significance of Pope Francis’s apology to Indigenous peoples?
A: Pope Francis’s apology was a significant step in addressing historical injustices and promoting reconciliation between the Catholic Church and Indigenous communities.
- Q: What did Gov. Gen. Mary Simon say about the new pope?
A: Gov. Gen. Mary Simon expressed hope that the new pope would continue the work started by Pope Francis and promote reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities.
- Q: How many Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools?
A: About 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools, more than 60 per cent of which were run by the Catholic Church.
About The Author
