OTTAWA -- The decision to postpone the Indigenous delegation's Vatican trip was made with the safety of all partners in mind as COVID-19 cases rise.
In Ottawa, on Dec. 8 at the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Office, it was announced that after careful assessment of the uncertainty and potential health risks surrounding international travel amid the recent spread of the Omicron variant, the Canadian Bishops, of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami have jointly decided to reschedule a delegation to the Vatican in December 2021 to the earliest opportunity in 2022.
The group’s decision to postpone was described as a heartbreaking one, and one which came after consultation with delegates, family members, community leaders, public health officials and the leadership of each of the three National Indigenous Organizations.
It was noted that for many elderly delegates as well as those who live in remote communities, that the risk of infection and the fluid nature of the evolving global situation presented too great a threat.
It was further emphasized that the delegation was postponed and not cancelled and that these decisions are made with the safety of all partners in mind.
The Council expressed that their commitment to walking together towards healing and reconciliation, remains strong. They indicated that they understand that the Holy See’s commitment to rescheduling this visit in the new year is solid.
They look forward to the opportunity for Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, residential school survivors, and youth to participate in private meetings with Pope Francis.
