Pope Returns 62 Indigenous Artifacts to Canada in Historic Gesture

BREAKING: 62 Indigenous artifacts have been officially returned to Canada as a historic gift from Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant step in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. This urgent update comes as the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) confirms the items, held for nearly a century in the Vatican Museums, were handed over during a special audience on July 15, 2023.

The return of these cultural and sacred items, originally sent to Rome between 1923 and 1925 for the Vatican Missionary Exhibition, is seen as a direct result of the late Pope Francis‘s commitment to address historical injustices. In a powerful statement, CCCB president Bishop Pierre Goudreault described the return as “a tangible sign” of the Church’s commitment to walking alongside Indigenous Peoples “in a spirit of reconciliation.”

The CCCB emphasized that these artifacts, now back on Canadian soil, will soon be transferred to national Indigenous organizations. These organizations are tasked with returning the items to their respective communities of origin, further deepening the reconciliation process.

In a joint statement from the Holy See and the CCCB, the return is framed as “a concrete sign of dialogue, respect and fraternity.” This momentous event aligns with the Church’s ongoing journey following Pope Francis’s visit to Canada in 2022 and the subsequent 2023 Declaration on the Doctrine of Discovery.

This monumental gesture not only acknowledges the historical significance of these artifacts but also reinforces the Church’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation efforts. The return of these items serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and respect in addressing the complex relationship between the Church and Indigenous Peoples.

As the world watches, the CCCB is poised to take the next steps in ensuring these artifacts are returned to their rightful homes, making this a pivotal moment in the journey toward healing and understanding.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and more details about the artifacts’ return are revealed.