Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington promulgated liturgical norms July 22 for implementing Pope Francis’ apostolic letter “Traditionis Custodes.”

“To remember the devastating experiences that took place in the residential schools hurts, angers, causes pain, and yet it is necessary.”

Pope Francis landed in Edmonton and met briefly at the airport with Indigenous leaders, Canada's governor general and prime minister.

From July 24 to July 29, Pope Francis will meet with Indigenous People in Canada to apologize and ask forgiveness, on their land, for abuses perpetrated in largely Catholic Church-run residential schools.

“We are reaching a breaking point,” the pope wrote in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Creation.

Pope Francis will soon arrive in Canada. What is the history of residential schools in Canada? And what might a papal apology mean in a long, important process of truth-telling and reconciliation?