Indigenous leaders in northern Ontario encouraged by papal visit to Canada

The Pope's visit to Canada in July is being welcomed by some of the Sault's Indigenous leaders.

On Friday, the Vatican announced the pontiff would be visiting Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit at the end of July, building on his apology to Canada's Indigenous people for the Roman Catholic church's role in the residential school system.

"I'm quite happy that he's coming, it should be good," said Chief Brent Bissaillion of the Serpent River First Nation.

"But I hope he comes and rescinds the Papal (decree) and does some of the requests that the First Nations leaders made of him."

Mitch Case, regional councillor for the Métis Nation of Ontario, said he is also encouraged by the Pope's visit, after visiting the Vatican for his apology.

"But I think he needs to expand upon that initial apology, not just recognizing the very specific incidents that he talked about," Case said.

"I think they should be sorry for the entire system, the entire goal of erasing and eradicating cultures. I think that should be what he's apologizing for."

Bissaillion is also hoping the Vatican will adjust the Pope's Itinerary and make a stop in Ontario.

Meanwhile, Case said the Métis Nation of Ontario is looking to send a delegation to Edmonton.