A new chapter for the Catholic Church begins. In a public statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called on the new head of the Catholic Church to continue the reconciliation work of his predecessor. Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff to formally apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system and visited Indigenous communities during a 2022 papal visit. His actions marked a significant step toward healing, although many say the work is far from over. What are your hopes for Pope Leo XIV? Do you believe the American-born pontiff will advance Indigenous justice and healing—or turn a blind eye to the past and ongoing harms faced in both Canada and the U.S.? 💭⤵️ (via assemblyoffirstnations) #PopeLeoXIV #Reconciliation