Calls for the Pope to rescind and denounce the Doctrine of Discovery intensified yesterday on the penultimate day of his trip to Canada.
That Doctrine, and the Papal Bulls associated with it, gave European settlers legal claims over Indigenous lands.
Many had hoped that the Pontiff’s Pilgrimage of Penance would include the revocation of the Doctrine, but have been left diasappointed so far.
Yesterday, two Indigenous activists made their way to the front of the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica ahead of a mass lead by Pope Francis.
There, they unfurled and displayed a banner which read “Rescind the Doctrine” in front of the Pope and a slew of clergymen.
During the mass that followed, the Pope again expressed sorrow over the residential school tragedy, but once again fell short of mentioning the Doctrine.
Later, a delegation of Haudenosaunee members say they were denied an opportunity to speak to the Pope regarding the Doctrine.
They say they were invited to the event and made the six day pilgrimage specifically to discuss the Doctrine, but were told they could not upon arrival.
Last night, 60 Indigenous leaders from across the country were invited to a dinner with the Catholic Conference of Canadian Bishops.
According to the Conference, the dinner was intended to discuss the Doctrine and other issues, though the Pope was not in attendance.
This story contains details that some may find traumatic. 24 hour support is available for survivors and family members through the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-800-721-0066. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line also provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1 866 925 4419.
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