AMC Reflects on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
April 21, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis and extends heartfelt condolences to all those mourning his loss.
“Pope Francis led within an institution often reluctant to confront its past. Yet, he made steps toward truth and a willingness to name colonial harm,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “His 2022 apology on First Nations lands was a historic and painful moment – one that publicly recognized the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system. For many Survivors, it was long overdue.”
Manitoba’s First Nations leaders were instrumental in that moment. Former Grand Chief and former AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine, himself a Survivor, helped lead the delegation that secured a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. When the Pope later visited Canada, Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean stood with national leadership, calling not just for apologies, but for meaningful, lasting action.
While the apology marked a turning point, it was never the destination. Survivors and their families have always lit the way forward. The AMC has consistently called for full access to church and government records, the return of sacred items held in the Vatican, and continued support for healing and justice.
“Many First Nations people in Manitoba live with the intergenerational pain left by the Church. Others continue to practice and find solace in the Catholic faith,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “In this time of reflection, we honour the resilience of Survivors and the strength found in our diverse paths.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will continue to stand firm in its calls for accountability, redress, and the full truth. Only then can we begin to heal the wounds that history has left behind.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.