Pope Benedict XVI

On April 29, 2009, Canadian First Nations leaders met at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI, who expressed regret and shame for abuses committed at Indian residential schools. Assembly of First Nations Chief Fontaine said the group “heard what we came for” and was “very happy” with Pope Benedict’s response.

On December 31, 2022, Pope Benedict XVI went to his reward. Despite his age and poor health, the reality of his death left many of us heartbroken.

Pope Francis voted for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, in the 2005 conclave that followed the death of St. John Paul II.