Link to Original Story

First Nations leader says Pope might eventually apologize to Cdn natives

Wed Jul 16, 2:22 PM

By The Canadian Press

QUEBEC - The head of the Assembly of First Nations says there is a possibility the Pope could eventually apologize for the poor treatment of aboriginals in residential schools in Canada.

The schools, which were run by religious orders, were federally funded and aimed at assimilating natives. AFN chief Phil Fontaine admits such an apology would not be easy for Pope Benedict XVI to make.

Speaking to reporters in Quebec City, he said work would first have to be done with the clergy across the country to determine if such action is possible.

But Fontaine adds he's encouraged by the fact that earlier this year the Pope expressed regrets for sexual assaults committed by members of the clergy in the United States.

The native leader also points out the pontiff has indicated he wants to do the same regarding assaults by priests in Australia.

Fontaine has met with Roman Catholic bishops who assured him the clergy would participate in reconciliation efforts currently underway with Canada's aboriginals.