Calgary bishop calls Papal apology ‘heartfelt’

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

After three years of preparation, the Canadian Conference of Bishops was able to bring a delegation of Indigenous peoples from Canada to the Vatican to speak to Pope Francis.

A delegation of 32 Indigenous Elders, residential school survivors and youth met with Pope Francis between March 28 and April 1 to seek an apology from the Catholic Church and their involvement in residential schools in Canada.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary Bishop William McGrattan, who was present at the Vatican during that time, said through those meetings Pope Francis was able to listen to very impactful stories. He heard first hand the experience of being in a residential school and the effects of that within family and community.

“I can say that having been present, I did witness the fact that he was moved by compassion. I think he was moved to realize the impact and I think the devastation that it has caused in individual lives but also for the communities,” said McGrattan.

The Diocese of Calgary also encompasses most of southern Alberta.

McGrattan said that as a result of his meetings with the delegates from the various Indigenous groups, Pope Francis apologized.

“He offered to them in unison with us the Catholic Bishops, his heartfelt apology. He said I’m sorry and you could see there was a sense of acknowledgement that this was the right thing, and it was expressed in many ways by those who were present in the general audience,” said McGrattan.

He said that even though it was expected and it was prepared for a long time, he hopes it was transformative, that it could be the beginning of a new path, a new chapter in the healing and reconciliation process.

“Having been present I was both privileged and honoured to accompany the delegates and to be present to listen as did the Holy Father, and I hope it is a step in the right direction,” said McGrattan.

He said people have approached him in person and via email after he came back from the Vatican to let him know they appreciate the apology.

“One person said, ‘you know I’m really happy that he has come to recognize that this has caused such pain and suffering.’ This person wasn’t expecting it (the apology) but received it in a way that I think was hopefully something that was very helpful and very welcomed by them,” said McGrattan.

He said he recognizes that for some the apology might not be enough until Pope Francis apologizes on Canadian soil, which is something that is being planned.

“Actual dates have not been officially decided or released by the Vatican, however Pope Francis did indicate in that general audience his desire and his anticipation of coming to Canada,” said McGrattan.

He said at this point the Canadian Conference of Bishops, Indigenous leaders as well as the government have to discuss what will be possible for Pope Francis to do when he comes to Canada.

“I do know that as he gets older his mobility is somewhat limited, but that doesn’t deter him from wanting to come, that may limit the number of sites he is able to go to because of his age and his health condition, so those are all factors I think that will weigh into what might be potentially the sites in which the Holy Father will visit,” said McGrattan.

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