Vatican Gives Back: Indigenous Treasures Find Their Way Home

The Vatican has made a significant move by returning 62 items that belong to Indigenous communities in Canada. This return is not just a simple handover; it's a step towards healing and respect.

A Step Towards Reconciliation

The items have been handed over to the Canadian Catholic bishops, who will pass them on to the National Indigenous Organizations. From there, the items will be returned to their original communities.

A Long Journey Home

These items have a rich history. They were sent to Rome in 1925 for an exhibition by Pope Pius XI. The exhibition featured over 100,000 objects, many of which ended up in the Vatican Museums. The recently returned items were part of this collection.

Part of a Larger Effort

This return is part of a bigger effort towards reconciliation. In 2022, Pope Francis apologized to Canada's Indigenous peoples for the harm caused by the Catholic Church's role in residential schools. Many children suffered in these schools, and some were buried in unmarked graves. The return of these items is one way to make things right.

A Commitment to Dialogue and Respect

The Vatican's action shows a commitment to dialogue and respect. It's a small but important step towards recognizing the past and working towards a better future. The Indigenous communities will now have their treasures back, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and history.