Pope Francis arrived in Edmonton on Sunday, July 24 from Rome to apologize to Indigenous First Nations for the wrongdoings of the Roman Catholic Church.

The church, along with the federal government, played a key role in residential schools, which more than 150,000 Indigenous people were forced to attend SA国际影视传媒� a policy designed for SA国际影视传媒渃ultural destructionSA国际影视传媒� and SA国际影视传媒榝orced assimilation.SA国际影视传媒�

The two-day tour of the Edmonton area, complete with tight security, included stops at Maskwacis Park, Sacred Heart First Nation PeopleSA国际影视传媒檚 Church and Commonwealth Stadium, where 60,000 spectators anxiously awaited a glimpse of the pontiff. The popeSA国际影视传媒檚 final apology took place at the Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage site, where thousands awaited his arrival.

During Pope FrancisSA国际影视传媒檚 apology, many people were touched and every tour was filled with emotional pain. He spoke in Spanish during his apology and stated that SA国际影视传媒渇orgetfulness leads to indifference.SA国际影视传媒� Remembering the devastation in residential schools across Canada may result in pain and anger, but SA国际影视传媒渋t is necessary,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

The pope also addressed in his speech to Indigenous peoples in attendance SA国际影视传媒渢he heavy burdens you share, that I am deeply pray (for), and I ask for your forgiveness.SA国际影视传媒�

A press conference, with the Confederation of Treaty 6 chiefs in attendance, was held at the elementary school in Maskwacis.

Pope Francis departed Edmonton on July 27 to fly to Ste. Anne de Beaupre, Que., and then to Iqaluit on July 29.

-By Margaret McKay