Head of World's Jesuits Thinks Pope Will Apologize to Canada's Indigenous

The Catholic Register ^ | 6/7/18 | Michael Swan

[marshmallow]

Though it all hinges on an invitation from Canada’s bishops, the superior general of the world’s 17,000 Jesuits — including Pope Francis — is certain the Pope will issue an apology on Canadian soil for Catholic involvement in Canada’s residential school system.

“I am sure that Pope Francis is willing to do it,” Fr. Arturo Sosa told The Catholic Register as he wrapped up an 11-day visit to Canada on May 30. “I’m not the Pope. I’m not the bishops’ conference of Canada. But I’m sure that the moment will arrive.”

Sosa’s certainty isn’t based on his knowledge of politics (he was once professor of political science at the Catholic University of Táchira in Venezuela) or special insight into the mindset of Canadian bishops. It’s theological.

Reconciliation has become the central and motivating theological idea in the life of every Jesuit. Reconciliation is a basic truth of Catholic faith, central to Christ’s salvation of the world. Sosa is sure the Jesuit Pope will not duck, weave or hide when it comes to any genuine opportunity for reconciliation.

“Pope Francis has been very courageous in apologizing,” Sosa said. “The last experience was about this situation in Chile (with victims of clergy sex abuse). He did that very correctly in apologizing.”

When it comes to the world’s Indigenous people, reconciliation is a priority for the Church and the Pope, according to Sosa.

[ebb tide]

Back when Jesuits were Catholics.

[House Atreides]

Pope Virtue Signalous.

[Dilbert San Diego]

Apologize for what exactly?

[katykelly]

Eskimos ? What ?

[heterosupremacist]

17,000 Jesuits? Lord, have Mercy.

[heterosupremacist]

Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf and six other martyred missionaries, all Jesuit priests or laymen associated with them, were canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1930; they are known as "The North American Martyrs." A shrine was built in their honor at Auriesville, New York - been to Auriesville, and I want to go back.