Pope says “acts of abuse cannot be tolerated in society”
Pope Benedict has expressed sorrow and sympathy to a delegation of Aboriginal leaders for the abuses suffered at residential schools. The meeting, including representatives of the Canadian catholic church and residential school advisors, produced an official statement of “sympathy and prayerful solidarity,” as well as a declaration from the Pope that “acts of abuse cannot be tolerated in society.” Assembly of First Nations leader Phil Fontaine dismissed concerns that a direct apology was not included. “The fact that the word ‘apology’ was not used does not diminish this moment in any way,” he told CBC. “This experience gives me great comfort.”
CBC News